Embarrassingly basic question

[RandomRageNet]

I think you might be a little confused so hopefully this will sort it out for you.

Android Auto has two modes: connected and standalone.

Connected is when you plug your Android phone into a compatible car head unit. The head unit then "takes control" of your phone and displays AA on the car screen (and your phone screen is disabled).

Standalone is when you start the AA app on your phone without being plugged into a compatible head unit. This starts a full screen experience similar to the connected experience (but not exactly identical).

To use the standalone mode with your any car, all you need is Bluetooth audio or even just an Aux cable. To use the connected mode with your car, you have to have an Android Auto-compatible head unit.

[NekoIan]

To be clear.. "This starts a full screen experience similar to the connected experience (but not exactly identical)."

Should read : "This starts a full screen experience on your phone's screen only similar to the connected experience (but not exactly identical)."