Google started the release of Android Auto 16.0 days ago, but it is only available in Beta. They have now begun the stable release, and it comes with a new redesign that we have been waiting for months for. As always, it will take some time for the New Media Player to become available for everyone.
Google is working on many new features for Android Auto. At the last Google I/O event, they announced some of the upcoming additions, including the Android Auto Media Player. We are now seeing the changes with the stable Android Auto 16.0.
The New Media Player on Android Auto details
The new UI has moved the play/pause button to the bottom left corner, with track controls on the side, and further playback controls beyond that. It will take time before users get used to the new tweak, but it looks nice and improves the placement of playback controls.
According to 9to5Google, the changes can be seen in Spotify and Pocket Casts, with some updated Material You theming to complement the match album art on the former. The new Media Player redesign is also available in the condensed dashboard view.
We are still waiting for the new Media Card that Google is working on. The idea is to allow users play music directly from their drives. We have already seen reports about a future introduction, but so far, it has yet to start rolling out. Hopefully, we get to see that in action in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, aside from the tweaks, no other user-facing changes were reported. The update seems to focus on bug fixes and optimization. We recommend installing it when prompted, and you can do that via the Play Store.
