Android Auto’s Makeover Is Now Available for Everyone

It’s time for an additional Android function drop—the CES 2023 version. This time, Google’s formally rolling out the brand new Android Auto interface that we received to preview a couple of months in the past. There are additionally a couple of different car-centric bulletins throughout the platform. And Android customers can anticipate a brand new media handoff function to launch someday this yr.

The new Android Auto interface is stay starting right this moment. If you want a refresher, you possibly can examine it in my hands-on expertise again in November. I’ve been test-driving the Android Auto beta in my Subaru Outback and a rental automotive during the last two months. The expertise is total simpler to navigate with one hand. It typically feels extra responsive throughout the board. Google additionally introduced WhatsApp calls by Android Auto in case you’re utilizing one of many newest Pixel or Samsung smartphones.

Digital automotive key sharing by Android can also be coming to extra smartphones. It’s already out there on the Google Pixel and to share with iPhone customers in case you drive a suitable automotive. Samsung and Xiaomi smartphone customers will get the flexibility later this yr.

Google additionally introduced new options coming to vehicles with Google Automotive Services in-built—that is totally different from Android Auto because it doesn’t require a tethered machine and is built-in straight into the automotive. Higher high quality Google Maps are coming to extra vehicles, beginning with the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. The new HD maps embrace lane markers, indicators, and street obstacles. And in case you’re bored within the automotive, YouTube is coming quickly that will help you move the time when you look ahead to takeout.

A brand new media handoff expertise coming to Android

In Android 13, Google launched a revamped media playback interface. It’s a extra visually interesting method to decide on whether or not to listen to audio by the cellphone or one other linked machine. At CES 2023, Google introduced it’s working with Spotify to combine Spotify Connect into the combination. You’ll be capable of swap media playback from inside Android’s media participant reasonably than having to navigate that throughout the Spotify app.

Google can also be creating a method to determine the place audio content material ought to play as you bodily transfer areas all through the day. For occasion, in case you begin a podcast within the automotive after which park and transfer into the home, Android will pop up a notification asking if you wish to proceed playback in your cellphone or one other suitable machine within the dwelling. Google says it’s working with Spotify and YouTube Music to make these notifications attainable. It’ll be fascinating to see if different third-party apps can benefit from this, as there are nonetheless loads of people who aren’t utilizing Spotify or YouTube Music as their catch-all media participant.

There’s no phrase but on when these options might be out there. Only that Google is at the moment engaged on them behind the scenes.