A large part of Android Auto users are eagerly awaiting the activation of the new Coolwalk interface, a major overhaul that better exploits the dimensions of the screen to offers dual-pronged operation. This interface improves with each new versi on, with Android Auto 8.2 the style has been sketched out, especially in Rails or vertical dock format.
With each new version of Android Auto we go to the car settings to see if Google has decided to activate Coolwalk by default, but nothing: we know the interface since Android Auto 7.3 without it officially appearing in vehicles. Yes, we were testing it by forcing it to turn on with ROOT. And the truth is that a remarkable evolution can be seen so far, with stable Android Auto 8.2 already in circulation.
Coolwalk in operation seems stable
One of the reasons why Google would delay the entry into force of Coolwalk is surely due to the almost endless screen types that populate vehicles. Horizontal, vertical, with different ratios and diagonals, different resolution… This makes it possible to standardize the pixel density between all manufacturers, essential for a device interface to adapt to any screen.
As for Android smartphones, where there are practically no two screens with identical characteristics, a vehicle interface must adapt like a glove to any surface. Because a crucial element is added here: since everything that is printed on the vehicle console it needs to be readable, it needs a specific size, and it needs to be easy to press, that Coolwalk looks good regardless of the car is a complicated task. And Google did.
We managed to activate Coolwalk on the latest stable version, Android Auto 8.2. As is the case since version 7.5, the vertical buttons option, internally called Rails, is available as an activator; with a very careful operation, as can be seen in the following video that we managed to record.
Coolwalk docks the dock vertically to the sides of the screen (left or right, depends on resolution and screen ratio); providing access to both running applications as a split panel. Animations are smooth, fluid, Coolwalk moves the media section depending on whether or not you interact with the app
A thousand types of screens, a thousand ways to see Coolwalk
Rails looks great on Android Auto 8.2. Additionally, Google has included other changes in Coolwalk, some inherited from the previous version: up to four apps in the dock, widgets for Rails, and Google Assistant suggestions. We note that Google has stepped on the accelerator to conclude development in the shadow of Coolwalk as quickly as possible.
The new interface, which is still hidden from users, can work vertically, move the dock down or sideways, adapts to pixel densities by changing the appearance and position of mapsCoolwalk offers widgets to media apps and even has pending messages and common addresses to access with just a tap.
We like how the Android Auto Coolwalk Chameleon is, in part, well-prepared enough not to create design incompatibilities in any vehicle. Undoubtedly, this is what Google searches, to see when it decides to press the unlock button.