Google has officially released an upgraded version of Android Auto, which leaked about a year ago before making its debut in May at Google I/O 2022. The upgrade was also in public beta for nearly two months, but a blog post reveals that it has now attained stable status. Unfortunately, some functionality is restricted to specific devices, despite the fact that its redesigned design should be platform-neutral.
Google says in the same blog post that Android Auto now always displays Google Maps on the driver’s side, ostensibly to emphasise navigation. Previously, it was possible to move between apps on select wide-screen in-car monitors.
Furthermore, Android Auto has been given a Material You makeover, as well as better Google Assistant capability for making intelligent suggestions. Even better, you can now tap the progress bar to jump to a specific point in a song or podcast within the media viewer.
Google has, for some reason, left this capability out of Android Auto until now.
Separately, after installing the update, owners of the Samsung Galaxy and Pixel 7 series can make WhatsApp calls within Android Auto; presumably, this capability will ultimately be available to other handsets.
Furthermore, Google has expanded its digital auto key-sharing functionality to some Samsung cellphones, with some Xiaomi smartphones following suit later this year. Currently, Android Auto’s digital vehicle key is more or less a BMW exclusive, but Google plans to expand this across other car models in the future, though no date has been provided.
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