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Tag: Android Auto

  • Android Auto App Now Available for Android 10 Users

    Android Auto App Now Available for Android 10 Users

    Back in September, Google promised that it would release a separate Android Auto app specifically for Android 10 users with a non-compatible head unit. Now, the app has finally arrived on the PlayStore so that Android 10 users can use the app on their smartphones.

    Dubbed as ‘Android Auto for Phone screens, the new app is designed to bring the full Android Auto experience on your phone’s screen, until Google Assistant Driving mode arrives.

    “This app lets you use Android Auto on your phone screen with a phone running Android 10. If you have Android 10 and an Android Auto compatible car, you can project to your car display without downloading this app. Simply plug in your phone to get started,” explained Google.

    With Android Auto, Android 10 users can deploy Google Assistant to route their next destination with real-time GPS navigation and traffic alerts using Waze and Google Maps. Users get real-time updates about their route such as hazards, roadblocks, jams, and ETA.

    Besides, users can also manage their infotainment system to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks on a wide range of apps such as Pandora, Spotify, Google Play Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more. Not to mention, Android Auto also features a Do Not Disturb Mode so drivers can concentrate on the road and to avoid any distractions.

    To recall, Google recently integrated Android Auto with Android 10 OS so as to remove the need to download a separate app. However, this implied that Android 10 users who own a car without a compatible head unit would not be able to use the app on their smartphones, which was possible earlier. To rectify the situation, Google has finally released a standalone Android app for Android 10 users.

    Initially, Google seemed completely fine with chucking the idea of a standalone Android Auto app, as it was supposed to be replaced by Google Assistant ‘driving mode’. However, Google Assistant ‘driving mode’ is still not available, so until it becomes available, Google seems to have come up with a temporary solution for Android 10 users without an Android Auto compatible head unit with the new standalone Android Auto app.

  • New Android Auto has finally arrived: Here is what’s new

    New Android Auto has finally arrived: Here is what’s new

    Google has finally started rolling out the latest version of Android Auto for users worldwide. The first set of users have begun receiving the update, while a full rollout is expected to complete in the coming weeks. As expected, the latest version of Android Auto comes with a plethora of improvements and features.

    To begin with, it gets a redesigned app launcher which makes it much easier to find apps you use the most. The app launcher has been relocated from the center of the display to the left corner. It displays multiple apps from there, making it easier and safer for users to launch apps they use the most. Favorite apps are now located within the top row of the app launcher. Hence, for someone who just uses Google navigation, a music app, and the phone, the first row is everything you’d need.

    Redesigned Navigation Bar

    Another major change in Android Auto is the new navigation bar that makes it easier to control apps from the bottom of the display. It now features a dynamic approach, which essentially means that it adapts to what users have on the screen.

    The new navigation bar is now located on at the bottom of the display, which allows users to mange applications at ease. For example, users can play, pause, or skip tracks from their favorite music app from the bar itself. Besides, they can also access Google Assistant or notifications directly from the bar.

    Android Auto’s new Navigation bar

    “The new navigation bar sits at the bottom of your display, and allows you to manage multiple apps, more easily. So if you’re listening to music, you won’t miss your next turn; or if you’re following directions, you can still easily pause or skip a song. You can also jump straight to your app running in the background with one tap.” explained Google.

    Elsewhere, Android Auto will also offer deeper integration with Google Assistant. As users will be able to perform more commands through a new assistant icon next to apps.

    The latest Android Auto also caters to different display sizes. Hence, some users can take advantage of more screen real estate offered by their carmaker. Besides, it also brings a new dark theme and customized accents that go well with your car’s interiors.

    The new Android Auto is rolling out in phases. Tye first set users have started getting the update, and it should arrive on all Android Auto compatible handsets in the next few weeks.

  • Google starts rolling out the latest version of Android Auto

    Google starts rolling out the latest version of Android Auto

    Back at I/O 2019, Google announced that refreshed Android Auto would start rolling out in summer. Now, it appears Google has lived up to that promise as the rollout of the new version has begun. The latest update is a part of Android Auto version 4.4. That said, not everyone is getting the redesigned version just by installing v4.4.

    Besides, it’ also important to note that not everyone’s getting the new version, as the rollout appears to be taking place in phases. However, users who did receive the overhauled Android Auto were prompted to unplug and reconnect the phone to the car, following which the new UI showed up on their screens. A posting on Reddit suggests that the redesigned version is now available for some users in the United Kingdom.

    The latest version of Android Auto brings a completely new design to make driving simpler, less cluttered, and more personal. Google has promised that the new version remembers your settings and apps, so it’ll just start playing songs and load navigation apps that you mostly use.

    The overhaul also brings a redesigned navigation bar that shows turn-by-turn directions, while also providing easy access to apps and phone controls.

    “With the new navigation bar, you’ll be able to easily control your apps with one tap. Get turn-by-turn directions, rewind your podcast or take incoming call all on the same screen,” said Google.

    Apart from the redesigned navigation bar, the refreshed version also gets a notification center that displays recent calls, messges, as well as alerts.

    The new Android Auto update is expected to roll out in the next few days. In the meantime, make sure to watch out for an OTA alert or head over to the PlayStore to check if the latest update is available for download.

  • New Android Auto update will roll out soon, here’s what’s new

    New Android Auto update will roll out soon, here’s what’s new

    The latest Android Auto update has officially arrived. As expected, the update brings new features and enhances the old ones to make your ride simpler and more personal. The update makes the user interface less cluttered and reduces the risk of distraction while driving.

    To begin with, the new Android Auto update improves search and media browsing features so that drivers can access content more easily. Media Content is now visible more clearly on the screen so you can view and browse content easily.

    Besides, the layout now displays bigger album art images so you can easily view what you want to play. Hence, you don’t have to spend a lot of time fiddling the screen to find what songs you want to listen. Popular streaming apps such as Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, Google Play Music, and Google Play Books are also available. And thanks to Google Assistant, you can also use voice search.

    android auto

    Talking about messaging, you get the ability to launch WhatsApp, Messages, and Hangouts right from the Android Auto display. Group Messages and Visual Message previews are also available, however, they can only be viewed when the car isn’t moving. Also, you’ll need to activate the feature first within the Settings menu.

    Google has also expanded messaging support in the new Android Auto update with support for MMS and RCS ( rich communication services).

    The new Android Auto update is expected to roll out in the next few days. In the meantime, make sure to watch out for an OTA alert or head over to the PlayStore to check if the latest update is available for download.