Google has announced new features coming to Android Auto. Most of them were unveiled months ago, but it seems they are finally going to roll out to eligible units this time. Finally, we will see video app support and more Gemini smarts and widgets available for Android Auto users.
Video apps, widgets, music update, and Gemini smart rolling out
Since last year, Google has been working on introducing video apps to Android Auto. A couple of weeks ago, the company brought support for “only” audio. They are finally letting users watch their favorite podcast or video on YouTube, but only when the car is in park.
Interestingly, video apps in Android Auto will support 60fps, FHD video apps in “supported cars” later this year. According to Google, these vehicles will be the first to receive the Video app support. BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.
There will be further improvement to the audio with support for Dolby Atmos in “supported apps and cars,” which includes vehicles from BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.
Furthermore, Media apps on Android Auto will receive more flexibility. We understand the UI can now take the shape of any infotainment system, given how most of them look these days. Google has released images of how these apps look using Spotify and YouTube Music.
More people will receive Google Maps Immersive Navigation. With the revamp, the maps will take up the whole screen. Interestingly, Google will support live lane guidance on vehicles with “Google built-in” (Android Automotive). This will work with the front-facing camera to offer specific lane guidance in real-time. Android Automotive vehicles will also be getting improved media apps and audio-only modes from Android Auto. Google says that a Zoom app for Android Auto is also coming “this year.”
Gemini Intelligence will be available for more users later this year. It will be equipped with the ability to “understand your context” to “get things done on your behalf.” With Gemini, users can send an address via an Android Auto message notification, while being able to order food from their favorite shop via Gemini voice interaction.
Additionally, Android Auto will get more widget options. Users will be able to place additional widgets on their display. Apps will look exactly like they are on your phone, and everything else will be mirrored as it is.
Unfortunately, there is nothing about improving performance or resolving issues plaguing the app for months. These additions may introduce new bugs, just like we have seen in the past. Nevertheless, we will wait until these features, which might take months, start rolling out, to confirm how smoothly they are integrated.
via: 9to5Google
