A few days before the end of 2023, one of the years that brought the most changes to Android Auto, it is time to look back at these developments to get an overview. how Google plans to evolve it over the next 12 months. While it may seem more static than a tow truck on New Year’s Eve, the truth is that 2023 hasn’t been bad for the vehicle’s infotainment system. In what fits.
Android Auto is one of the most updated Google apps, usually one or two stable updates per month. And that’s without mentioning the betas, which The development version started in 2023 with the accelerator pressed. Unfortunately, all these efforts do not translate into visible changes for the user: installing an update on the mobile generally causes a certain disappointment when we do not see new tangible features. Fortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
A year of timid news and several major changes
Considering the huge involvement of Android Auto in security and the wide variety of brands and manufacturers that concern both cars and mobile phones, Google refreshes the application very slightly
Yes, Android Auto is not equal in terms of new options to the number of new updates, that’s without a doubt. We can still take a good look at everything that 2023 has brought by saving a good number of birthdays. These are the ones that seem most striking to us.
Google Maps records where the car is parked
Such a useful option was missing in its car system, and it was one of the most recent innovations: Google Maps records where the car was parked with Android Auto. Simply click “Save Parking” in the floating window that appears when you arrive at your destination.
Coolwalk is finally the default interface
We can clearly say that Android Auto has completely changed in 2023: even if some lucky people received the interface change at the end of 2022, it was during the first months of 2023 that Coolwalk changed the interface forever. Adapted to all types of screens, with improved touchscreen navigation and a much more current design. This was a big step forward.
Change colors in Google Maps for Android Auto
Google has changed the colors of Android Auto’s map interface to paint roads blue instead of the old yellow. It also put more emphasis on green on maps and blue on roads without too much traffic.
Music search
Android Auto 10.2 introduced a new button to search for songs with just one click. By clicking on the magnifying glass, an assistant appears if the car is moving and a writing field if the vehicle is parked.
WhatsApp calls in the car and listening to voice notes
The messaging application has made it easier to use in the car with the launch of calls under Android Auto in addition to allowing audio playback. These are two of the main shortcomings of WhatsApp in the car.
Android Auto opened the door to home automation
Google has extended the compatibility of applications for Android Auto by introducing support for those intended to control connected objects. What is missing now is that developers introduce this option into their products; as is already the case with Samsung SmartThings.
What will 2024 bring to Android Auto?
We don’t anticipate a huge list of changes, in line with what has happened over the year. It seems that Google has relaxed the level of Android Auto updates, They are no longer as followed as before; which will result in changes visible to the user.
As expected, according to leaks and based on our own experience, here are some of the stages of the race that Android Auto will run in 2024.
Android Auto will stop working with older Android phones
This will be one of the main changes for 2024: Google will remove support for all Android versions below 8.0 Oreo.
Videoconferencing will come in the car
Google announced them at the time and we will surely see them sometime in 2024: Zoom and WebEX will both be compatible with Android Auto so that we have no excuse to miss a meeting even when we are driving. GOOD.
Custom wallpapers
This is a function that Google anticipated and which only arrived halfway: although it is possible to change the background of Android Auto, you still cannot choose any car image; or select a wallpaper different from that of the phone. Hopefully, Google will complete the customization in 2024.
Artificial intelligence to speak with the car
Google Assistant doesn’t do a bad job when it comes to finding contacts to call or reading messages, but it lacks a more proactive and natural assistant. And Google will not fail to bring Gemini and its artificial intelligence to Android Auto: 2024 could be the year where we will converse with the car as well as with the passenger. Something that goes beyond summarizing messages received while driving.
Pictures | DALL-E 3 edited
In Xataka Android | Android Auto from scratch: how to configure it step by step in your car
Table of Contents