Extremely anticipated: Android customers have waited years for Google to roll out the long-planned overhaul of its automotive software program. The replace is lastly right here and consists of important modifications to Android Auto’s interface and the apps it incorporates, hopefully permitting simpler and fewer distracting operation of Android apps whereas driving.
The newest model of Android Auto is now accessible for Android cellphone customers with appropriate automobiles. It features a new adaptive interface with enhancements to navigation, communication, and leisure options.
Android Auto’s new split-screen presentation prioritizes three app home windows that change form to accommodate the varied display sizes between automobile fashions. Customers have instant entry to navigation, messaging, and audio controls. All of those options include expansions to their performance.
Google made the navigation display simpler to learn by bringing it nearer to the driving force’s seat. Messaging in Android Auto lets customers ship replies extra rapidly, reply to missed calls, name their favourite contacts, share their arrival occasions, and share entry to music and podcasts. Customers will even quickly have the ability to make in-car calls by way of WhatsApp, beginning with the most recent Pixel and Samsung cellphone fashions.
The audio participant has obtained a seekable progress bar so customers can quick ahead or rewind songs or podcasts. Moreover, a brand new fast launcher lets customers simply attain recently-used apps.
Digital automobile key sharing will quickly develop to Samsung telephones, with assist increasing to Xiaomi telephones later. The function is at the moment accessible to Pixel telephones and iPhones for BMW automobiles however will later embrace extra manufacturers.
The brand new Android Auto additionally consists of loads of new options for Google built-in, a system that lets particular fashions use Google Play apps like Google Assistant or Google Maps with no cellphone. Beginning with the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3, automobiles with Google built-in can now entry the corporate’s new HD map, which incorporates highway particulars like lane markers, indicators, and highway limitations. Google built-in additionally permits video streaming in apps like Tubi and MGM+ whereas the automobile is stopped. Android added it might develop that function to the YouTube app quickly.
In Europe, the brand new Renault Austral Hybrid and Renault Megane E-Tech electrical automobiles are the primary to permit navigation by way of the Waze app as a substitute of Google Maps utilizing Google built-in. Ford and Lincoln fashions will acquire Google built-in later this 12 months, whereas Honda lately joined the lineup with the 2023 Accord Touring.