In the realm of sideloaded Android Auto applications, two features consistently emerge as essential: YouTube access and web browsing capabilities. After extensive exploration of various apps, including Fermata Auto and Screen2Auto, I found them to be somewhat unreliable, often succumbing to crashes. However, a recent discovery on Reddit led me to a promising new contender: Xtream Player. This sideloaded app boasts an impressive array of functionalities, such as connecting to self-hosted platforms like Plex, accessing phone folders, viewing images, and even streaming internet radio. My brief foray into global radio stations, from Afghanistan to Antarctica, was entertaining, but the standout features for me remain YouTube support and web browsing—both of which perform remarkably well in Xtream Player.
Unlike its predecessors, navigating YouTube and browsing the web with Xtream Player is refreshingly stable. The swipe navigation is fluid, and the on-screen keyboard responds with impressive speed. Users can easily log into their YouTube accounts, granting access to subscriptions, recommendations, and viewing history, enhancing the overall experience.
Note: Utilizing apps like Xtream Player for video playback while driving is illegal in many jurisdictions and poses significant safety risks.
Xtream Player is better than other sideloaded Android Auto YouTube and web browsing apps, but the experience isn’t perfect
Like most sideloaded Android Auto apps, the UI could use some work
Despite its advantages, Xtream Player is not without its quirks. The user interface presents some peculiar design choices, such as accessing the main menu from various locations within the app. This is a common issue among sideloaded Android Auto applications. Additionally, I encountered a glitch with a feature intended to disable video playback while driving, which prompted a persistent pop-up when attempting to access YouTube while parked. Although I had to disable this feature to eliminate the annoyance, I commend the developer for prioritizing safety in the design.
The backstory of Xtream Player adds an intriguing layer. Originally a fork of the open-source Fermata Auto, it offered similar functionalities but with added features like IPTV support. The developer, malebuffy, had previously announced plans to discontinue the project on the Android Auto subreddit for undisclosed reasons. However, they have since resurfaced with Xtream Player, claiming it features “new code” and is independent of Fermata Auto.
Like most sideloaded Android Auto apps, it takes some work to get Xtream Player running
You’ll need to give the app ample access to your phone
Setting up Xtream Player requires a bit of technical finesse. Before downloading the APK, users must enable both Android’s Developer Mode and Android Auto’s Developer Mode, which involves several steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap About Phone.
- Navigate to Software Information and tap the Build Number seven times.
Once Developer Mode is activated, the next step is to enable Android Auto’s Developer Mode:
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Navigate to Connected Devices.
- Tap on Android Auto and scroll to tap Version until Developer Settings are enabled.
To have Xtream Player appear in your Android Auto Launcher, you may need to install AAEnabler. Alternatively, the app can be sideloaded using the Unknown Sources method, although this has not been tested with Xtream Player. Users can opt for a premium license through AA Enabler, which provides additional features like Jellyfin support, but the free version suffices for basic usage.
After downloading the Xtream Player APK, users must grant the app extensive permissions, which may raise privacy concerns. Navigating to Settings > Apps > Xtream Player > Three Dots > Allow Restricted Settings is often necessary to ensure smooth operation. If you wish to utilize FS Xtream Mirror for screen mirroring, additional permissions must be enabled.
Following these steps should enable you to enjoy Xtream Player on your Android Auto display, paving the way for a more connected driving experience.
Official YouTube support for Android Auto is anticipated “later this year,” alongside a redesign of core apps.
