Microsoft Teams will soon be added to Android Auto 

Over the past few years, employees have experienced the evolution of work environments, transitioning from the traditional office setting to remote work at home, and even extending to unconventional locations like hotel rooms. However, a new frontier emerges in the realm of work flexibility, as Microsoft Teams introduces a groundbreaking feature slated for February—enabling users to participate in work calls and meetings directly from the comfort of their cars.

In an update on the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company disclosed that Microsoft Teams would soon be accessible on Android Auto, an application designed to integrate Android mobile phones with the car’s infotainment system. This revelation follows an announcement made almost a year ago at Google I/O 2023 in May.

This integration of Microsoft Teams with Android Auto empowers users to seamlessly join meetings and work calls directly from their vehicle’s dashboard, eliminating the need for manual phone usage. Additionally, users gain the capability to conveniently view their calendars and upcoming events while on the go.

The implementation of Microsoft Teams on Android Auto promises to streamline meeting access, facilitate calls to contacts through speed dial, and provide insights into recent calls. However, it remains uncertain whether users will have access to messaging features and other collaborative functionalities.

Notably, Microsoft finds itself trailing behind competitors Zoom and Webex, which integrated with Android Auto in September of the preceding year. The delay in Microsoft’s implementation, without any provided explanation, stands in contrast to its earlier support for Teams on Apple CarPlay as far back as 2021.

The integration of productivity tools into in-car systems aligns with the growing trend of users preferring smartphone interfaces over built-in services from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). According to a recent McKinsey survey, nearly half of car buyers express a reluctance to purchase a vehicle lacking support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

With Google reporting that the Android Auto app is actively used in 200 million cars, the addition of the Microsoft Teams app is poised to further bolster its user base. Major auto brands, including Volvo and Honda, have already embraced in-car connectivity, solidifying the integration of these technologies into the modern driving experience.