Facebook gets Android Auto integration for safe texting on the road

Following the announcement of a standalone Android Auto mobile app, Facebook announced Messenger integration with Google's navigation platform, allowing drivers to easily catch up on conversations without taking their eyes off the road.

Incoming messages are read to the user via a text-to-speech engine, while replying is handled by voice recognition software allowing drivers to simply dictate their response to the app. A quick “I'm driving right now” conversation cutter can also be sent with a single press of a button.

Facebook joins the Android Auto ranks alongside apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, Hangouts, Skype and Google Maps, aiming to keep drivers in the loop and their eyes on the road.

To use Android Auto, all you need to do is install the app on your phone and mount it in a convenient spot on your car's dashboard. The service is currently available in some 30 countries but will be finding its way to more regions soon. You can sign up to be notified via email when the service is available in your region by following the link below.

sources: Facebook, Google