Android Auto has long been a staple in modern vehicles, offering seamless connections between phones and cars. Now, Google is taking things a step further with a major update.
The newest Android Auto version will roll out new features, including refreshed design elements, updated app integrations, and a new Gemini experience.
Refreshed Design
Material 3 Expressive, a set of unique design elements available to Android phone users, is now coming to the car. It allows you to customize the interface by changing fonts and wallpapers, and adding animations.
Widgets will also be available, allowing users to access what they want quickly, right from the main screen. All of these elements will be designed to fit a wide range of screen shapes and sizes.
HD Video Support
Ever wished the big screen could come to your car? (Tesla owners, keep scrolling.) Google is making that possible for the first time on Android Auto. While parked or charging, you’ll now be able to watch 60 fps full HD videos on apps like YouTube in supported cars.
This feature will be available on certain models later this year, including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia, among others.
Immersive Navigation
Google says this feature is Google Maps’ biggest upgrade in over a decade. Instead of seeing your car as a flat triangle on the map, Immersive Navigation provides a 3D view that shows buildings, roadways, and terrain. It’s designed to help you see more clearly where you need to go, especially in tricky situations, by highlighting details like traffic signals and bike lanes.
Gemini Intelligence
This is Google’s newest Android intelligence system, bringing more Gemini-powered help across phones, cars, and other devices. Google says this technology is designed to automate tedious tasks for you in a personalized way.
Basically, it uses your phone’s data to help complete the tasks you ask it to do. For example, if you ask it to order your “usual” from your favorite taco place, it will comb through your phone to find context and complete the request.
This is rolling out in waves to the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer. It will then be compatible with your car later this year. That means you can order from your favorite taco place hands-free while driving, if that’s your jam.
Vehicles with Google built-in will also receive these updates. Apps like Gemini and Google Maps are said to be even more precise in these cars because the interfaces are built directly into the vehicle’s hardware.
No specific dates have been given for when these updates will roll out, but Google says they will be coming to your car throughout the year.
