Rolling Out Now: Android Auto Is Getting a New Look and Features

Android Auto lets you take content from your Android phone and put it on a screen in your car, and has proven to be a very useful feature for connected drivers since it first came out in 2015. Announced at CES 2023, Google is finally releasing a long-promised overhaul(Opens in a new window) to the system, prioritizing navigation, communication, and playing music or podcasts. Of course, these features are already the focus of Android Auto, but the update rolling out now makes all of these tasks more accessible and enjoyable throughout your ride. Let’s run through the changes.

The first update is a small but significant shift in the placement of Google Maps. It’s now closer to the driver on the display, making it quicker and easier to set destinations and see navigation directions without taking your eyes off the road. Google also made the split-screen layout adaptable to different screen sizes, so it’ll work well in different cars with different displays.

Google says its new Android Auto update works well on all different size screens
(Credit: Google)

The company says that Google Assistant will now offer suggestions with situational awareness, including missed call reminders, arrival time-sharing, and quick access to music or podcasts. It’ll also provide quick shortcuts on the car’s display, which will, for example, make replying to important messages safer.

Another new function is a seekable progress bar for music and podcasts. With it, you can slide your finger to different points of a track or podcast. From a practical standpoint, it might be hard to pinpoint an exact playback spot while driving, but the option is there (maybe let a passenger do this).

Android Auto now lets you share your ETA with a single tap
(Credit: Google)

Finally, Google announced that Pixel and Samsung phones will soon be able to make calls using WhatsApp with Android Auto. Additionally, Google is making it possible for Samsung and Xiaomi phone owners to share their digital car key with friends and family in the same way Pixel and iPhone users already can. It’s also adding new features to select vehicles. For example, the Waze app is now available on certain Renault cars, and the company’s new HD maps are now available in the Polestar 3 and the Volvo EX90.

Overall, these are positive changes for Android users. The update is rolling out now, so if you have a car that supports Android Auto, make sure to update it so you can try out the new user interface and features.