What could be happening to Android Auto in the future?

Google has been working on many different projects at once, among them being its own in-car interface Android Auto that can be a very useful addition on your daily commute making it safer but also more convenient. The platform has been steadily growing for the past few years and Patrick Brady, the head of Android Auto at Google, has revealed the future plans and details for the platform.

So far only three car brands, Volvo, Mitsubishi, and Renault-Nissan have details set on adopting the native Android Auto system in their vehicles. Even though this already includes a lot of cars, in an interview with the Verge Brady says there is a couple of other companies that are working on adding Android as their car’s built-in system. What is also expected in the future is drivers relying on Google Assistant in order to control different settings in the cars, such as control of lights or wipers. The physical switch might even be completely excluded.

Not all cars have integrated Android so some people rely on additional head units such as the screens offered by Pioneer. Even though this is not the company’s top priority because building Android Auto directly into the car system means the users will be able to take advantage of more of its benefits, they haven’t forgotten about it and the Android Auto projection will stay available.

Google finds it important that integrated Android Auto keeps up with with the software updates and what can be expected is over-the-air updates instead of drivers having to come to the dealership each time an issue is being fixed or an update is pending. Brady added that the apps downloaded from Google Play Store are thoroughly reviewed before being available for users as both Google and car makers need to make sure nothing will distract the driver and be potentially harmful.

Finally, Brady has mentioned the upcoming Google I/O event in May saying there are a lot of software updates to be announced including those for Android Auto. The UI revamp is expected which means Android Auto will be more adjusted for new larger and taller screens. Furthermore, more collaborations with different car brands are going to be announced in the near future.

Also read: Android Auto: What is it? How does it work?