Google just revealed that there are over 250 million Android Auto compatible cars on the road today but more importantly, cars with Google built-in are about to receive a fresh new look and a slew of improvements for the driving interface. Beginning with Android Auto, the interface will get a “full refresh that brings personal
Google just revealed that there are over 250 million Android Auto compatible cars on the road today but more importantly, cars with Google built-in are about to receive a fresh new look and a slew of improvements for the driving interface.
Beginning with Android Auto, the interface will get 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 added that the refresh included a design that would fit and look great on any display, even if it is Mini’s circular infotainment screen.
Part of the update includes a Material 3 Expressive design that is similar to that found in modern smartphones. Material 3 Expressive is an evolution of Google’s design system that focuses on vibrant and personalised user experiences. This includes animations and a deeper colour palette that aims to shift away from traditional functional designs to appear more alive. Users can now customise widgets that include weather information, favourite contacts and shortcuts to certain functions.
Google is also adding high-res YouTube support for Android Auto, which will be especially useful for EV owners waiting in their cars while charging or people just killing time in their cars before heading inside. Much like some of its other apps, the video will cut off when you shift into gear but the audio remains.
On the audio front, Google added that Android Auto will be running Dolby Atmos for certain apps and vehicles that support it. Even Spotify and YouTube Music will get a minor visual refresh for easier user experience.
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Of course with the onset of AI, Gemini will feature heavily in this new update and will cover both Android Auto as well as vehicles running Google built-in. For the latter, users can now ask more specific questions related to that particular make and model of vehicle, such as dashboard warning lights or dimensions of the boot.
Again, the availability of Google built-in adds another dimension to Google Maps as the vehicle’s front-facing camera can be used for live lane guidance and more accurate guidance to change lanes.
Perhaps one update that the majority might not be looking forward to is the arrival of Zoom support. Either way, it would make for more convenience as you can take meetings on the go with more ease.
The updates will arrive later this year, beginning with models from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Renault, Skoda and Volvo. Other models or aftermarket head units running Android Auto will likely have theirs following that.