OsmAnd~ does not work with Android Auto

Matthai

I downloaded community version of OsmAnd (called OsmAnd~) from F-Droid and it is not working with Android Auto.

So I started digging and it seems there is not a technical problem, but more "political" one. As I understand Google is blocking apps that are not installed from Google Play from using Android Auto. I also found that someone actually filled a complaint against Google under European DMA.

On the other side, I know that GrapheneOS is using their (modified) version of Android Auto. So my question is: is there any option to use OsmAnd~ with Android Auto on GrapheneOS?

I have seen that some people were applying some "hacks" that update owner fields in the Android package manager database (to spoof where an app is installed from and control which app store is allowed to update it).

So, is there any solution?

mmobder

Matthai I think OSM is compatible with Android Auto in general, however if I recall correctly, one must install it through Google Play. The best would be to recheck on osm website

Matthai

Actually, I did some more digging and it seems that there is already an EU decision on a similar case, so this could be precedent: https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-court-backs-italian-antitrust-ruling-against-google-curbs-android-auto-2025-02-25/

BRUSSELS, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab unit Google's refusal to let an Enel e-mobility app access its Android Auto platform can be considered an abuse of its market power, Europe's top court said on Tuesday in a ruling that could force Big Tech to make it easier for rivals to operate on their platforms.

So here is what happened:

In September 2018, Enel X asked Google to make JuicePass compatible with Android Auto.
Google refused to do so, stating that, in the absence of a specific template, media and messaging apps were the only third-party apps compatible with Android Auto.
The Italian Antitrust Authority (ICA) fined Google €102 million in 2021 for this refusal:

"By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle. Google has consequently favored its own Google Maps app, which runs on Android Auto and enables functional services for electric vehicle charging, currently limited to finding and getting directions to reach charging points, but which in the future could include other functionalities such as reservation and payment."

The Italian authority's decision was appealed (of course!), but the European Union's top court backed the italian regulator, ruling that Google's actions were an abuse of its dominant position and may violate competition laws.

Matthai

Yes, from Google Play works. But not from alternate sources. That exactly is the problem.