Google's automotive smartphone platform, Android Auto, is rolling out a new update that will give it a redesigned interface. The update packs quite a lot of new features, and Google plans to roll out the update within the next few weeks slowly.
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the new app launcher. The dashboard now features a more streamlined design with a handful more apps visible at once. The update also adds a new segment found on the top row of the dashboard. This segment will feature apps that are regularly used for easy access. Additionally, a new Google Assistant badge is added into the dashboard which allows users to easily access their calendar, to-do lists, and news without much of a hassle. With Google Assistant's hands-free capabilities, Android Auto users can easily get up-to-date information within even taking their eyes off the road.
Another nifty upgrade is the ability to automatically resume the song or podcast the user is listening to when they switch from their smartphone to the Android Auto app. However, there is a small caveat to this. The app must be fully compatible with Android Auto in order to take advantage of this feature.
Google is also adding a new navigation bar which can give out much more information compared to its previous iteration. Additionally, when the user is navigating through a map, the music controls are relocated into the navigation bar. The same happens when the user is looking through their music library. When the library is up, the map buttons and features are relocated into the navigation bar.
Another added feature is the dedicated button specifically for checking missed notifications. This button can also be utilized in order to redial missed calls, reply to messages through voice, and play missed messages.
Lastly, the new Android Auto will now feature a resized user interface. This was done particularly so in order to take advantage of larger Android Auto displays. Newer versions of Android Auto displays have lots of unused screen real estate, and Google fixed this by resizing the user interface and icon sizes. The new update makes better use of the large display's space in order to improve visibility further.
According to Google, the update will be rolled out first to vehicle radio units that have full and official support for Android Auto. The app's smartphone version will not receive these new updates as Google plans to eventually phase out the smartphone version of the app and integrate its functions into Google Assistant's driving mode.
