Android We tried playing games on Auto and found four apps that can make car downtime less boring.

Several mobile games are compatible with Android Auto.

All games have simple touchscreen controls.

It is a slow-paced, short-duration game.

If you're spending any downtime waiting for school pick-up or in the car at lunch, you're likely to spend your time playing mobile games. Here's what you probably didn't know: You can even play some of these games on your car screen instead. Some popular mobile games are compatible with Android Auto, so you can play them in your car.

You've probably already seen the Gamesnacks app, which explores Android Auto apps and hosts dozens of lightweight games not unlike early Internet flash games. But these games are more powerful. It's the same game you play on your phone on a bigger screen.

The catalog of Android Auto-compatible games isn't large, but it's worth a look. None of these titles have complex controls or steep learning curves, and they're all suitable for short sessions.

How to get started

To play on your car screen, you need to install this game on your phone and park your car. But the good thing is that if you're connected to your car and have the app open in Android Auto, you can still use your phone for other things. This is ideal if you need to spend some time with your child in the car but don't want to hand over your phone.

I took a quick look at the games available. It doesn't run as smoothly as my phone, but it's good enough to play comfortably. Here is a list of my favorites:

Angry Birds Friends: I haven't played Angry Birds in a few years, but the slingshot-style gameplay was easy to pick up again. It works well on the car touchscreen and the levels progress quickly. Because the game is physically on your phone, your progress is saved so you can continue playing for multiple sessions. Not only was it fun to beat levels, but it was also fun to immediately replay the level you just beat to get a higher score.

Beach Buggy Racing (1 and 2): Both versions of this kart racing game feature colorful racers with very simple controls, making them the perfect game to pass the time for 5-10 minutes. The tracks are filled with power-ups, shortcuts, and other racers to beat (computer players, not online). I think this game takes advantage of the larger screen more than any other game on this list, and is the one that feels the most like a "real" video game.

Candy Crush Soda Saga: I've never been a fan of Candy Crush or its various versions or clones, but it's probably the most popular game available on Android Auto. The match-3 gameplay is easy to pick up and play in short bursts, and you'll feel comfortable just zoning out for a few minutes. Because the action is slow, it's easier to play on a car screen than a game that requires more movement.

Farm Heroes Saga: This game is made by the same developer as Candy Crush and works the same way. Instead of candy, just use fruits, vegetables, and water. The game goes a bit further than the standard match 3 format as you sometimes have to collect a certain number of certain pieces. I still enjoyed this game, and gave the nod to the more popular names first.