Android Auto hits beta 8.1, which you can now download and update. This release comes a few days after 8.0 reached the stable phase and about three weeks after the last beta. This is version 8.1.123404 beta.
Android Auto releases come and go, but something that doesn’t change is the list of what’s new, which remains a mystery because Google hasn’t updated it for months. The new version comes with a new disappointment for those who expected, now, to have Coolwalk. Still the expected redesign does not happen
Android Auto 8.1 beta is here
Android Auto updates, but you won’t find any changes unless Google triggers them remotely from the server side as usual. Android Auto 8.1 Beta is now available for downloadalthough updating to the new version does not bring you any visible news, at least for now.
This means that Coolwalk is not yet active as standard to be updated to Android Auto 8.1 Beta, although it would be logical to think that Google will have incorporated internal changes for the launch of the redesigned Coolwalk. After all, we were told that this revamp with a map interface and better multitasking would arrive this summer, and we are already entering the final stretch.
We’ve installed and tested Android Auto 8.1 Beta and found no visible changes, either traditionally or with an Activity Launcher, so we’re once again following blindly. There may be bug fixes and preparations for changes that are not yet active, but it is impossible to guarantee anything today.
Coolwalk is a bit closer but not there yet
The only clear thing is that you want to have the latest version of Android Auto for be among the first to try the new, which is the reason for the beta program. If you want to install the Android Auto 8.1 beta and you are not part of the beta on Google Play, you can follow these steps to update:
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Open Android Auto 8.1 Beta download page in APKMirror in browser
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Choose the architecture of your mobile: ARM or ARM64 (if it’s a current mobile, it’s almost certainly the second)
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Download the file and open it
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If necessary, grant permissions to the browser or application you used so that it can install applications
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Install it as an update on your Android Auto
