Android Auto Gets Fresh Look And New Features
The latest version of Android Auto sports a new design and plays nicer with various screen sizes and shapes
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by Michael Gauthier
Google is refreshing Android Auto with an all-new design.
It features customizable widgets and edge-to-edge Google Maps.
YouTube is also coming as are Google built-in updates.
Google has introduced a slew of improvements for Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in. This is big news as the tech giant revealed there are more than 250 million Android Auto-compatible cars on the road today.
Starting with Android Auto, it’s getting a “full refresh that brings personal design touches, widgets you can see at a glance, and edge-to-edge Google Maps to your dash.” The company went on to say it has been designed to “fit and look great” on any screen, regardless if it’s Mini’s circular infotainment system or sloping widescreen displays.
More: Google Maps Biggest Update In A Decade Looks Great And Can Even Plan Trips
As part of the makeover, Android Auto gets a Material 3 Expressive design that echoes the one found on modern smartphones. Users can customize the experience with widgets that appear to include everything from photos of your dog to weather information and favorite contacts. It looks like you can also add a large clock display as well as shortcuts to your garage door opener.
The update builds on the Immersive Navigation experience that was introduced earlier this year and Google is also adding high-res YouTube video support to Android Auto. It arrives later this year in vehicles from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Renault, Skoda, and Volvo.
The addition is ideal for when you’re recharging your EV or waiting in your parked car. When you shift into gear, the video cuts out, but the audio continues so you can keep listing to things like podcasts.
Speaking of audio, Android Auto is embracing Dolby Atmos for certain apps and vehicles. The company also revealed Spotify and YouTube Music are “getting visual tune-ups, so they’ll be even easier to use in the car.”
Considering Google is cramming AI into everything, it’s little surprise that Gemini plays a big role in the update. This applies both to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.
Among the updates to the latter are improved media apps and seamless video-to-audio transitions. Users can also expect meeting apps – such as Zoom – to arrive later this year.
Google went on to say Gemini is even better in vehicles with Google built-in as users can ask questions related to their specific model. This includes everything from basic questions about dashboard lights to more oddball inquiries such as whether or not the TV you’re about to buy will fit in the trunk.
More interestingly, Google Maps is more precise on some models with Google built-in thanks to live lane guidance. It uses the vehicle’s front-facing camera to “understand what lane you’re in and advise you in real time as you change lanes or exit.”
