Android Auto update is finally rolling out to all cars
Ever since Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay showed up, more cars started relying on them for their infotainment system as they brought convenience to the drivers without compromising the safety. A couple of months ago, Google announced that Android Auto update is going to include a complete software redesign at some point in summer that would add more useful features and optimize it for more pleasant user experience. Finally, the time has come and the Android Auto update is here all together with the ever awaited dark mode, rolling out to all users in the following few weeks.
Navigation through Android Auto
The company revealed some guidelines on what we can expect to change in Android Auto back when they announced the update and that is exactly what we get to see now. As it was predicted, the whole navigation through the software is simplified which makes it much easier to get around the software. The immediate difference is the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen that contains three buttons that are always conveniently there. This includes the Menu button on the left where it is the closest to the driver making it easier to reach out for. The other two buttons are on the left side and shortcuts for Notifications and Google Assistant.
At the same time, the navigation app changes based on what app you are using at the moment as the middle of the bar features an active app shortcut. If you are using two apps at the same time, one will be shown on the screen, while the shortcut will offer you insight into the activities of the other app. This means that whatever app you open while getting instructions from the maps app, the instructions on which turn to take will still be on the screen. This makes it much more convenient to navigate through the apps while keeping your eyes on the road.
Android Auto Home Screen and Apps
With the new navigation also comes the new Android Auto home screen. The new home screen designs feature all the compatible apps that you can choose from, from media apps to navigation and messaging apps. Some of the more noticeable changes is the lack of certain “cards” that showed specific information in the previous Android Auto version, including the calendar reminders and weather.
Besides the standard apps that you are familiar with, Android Auto now also has Google Assistant “apps” on the home screen. They can be recognized by a small Google Assistant logo in the bottom right corner and are not really apps but rather Assistant commands. Instead of speaking out the command, drivers can simply click on the shortcut and will in return get the answer that compliments the command. Some of these apps include weather, reminders, news, etc.
Other Android Auto Update Details
For those who are always in a rush, setting up Android Auto each time you enter the car can be quite annoying, which is why Google decided to add the auto-launch feature. This means that, when you enter the car and plug in your phone, it will automatically turn on your music where it stopped off last time and open a navigation app you frequently use. It is important to note that auto-launch remembers what you played last time in the car, not in the media app itself so you can freely use Spotify or other media apps in the meantime without any worries.
Other details that are going to be a part of the new Android Auto update is the long-awaited dark-mode as well as the in-app improvements, more specifically for music and media, that make it easier and more pleasant to use during the ride.
ALSO READ:
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- Android Auto. What is it? And How To Make Your Car Smart?
