Google’s Android Auto is getting new features to significantly improve the in-vehicle dashboard experience. For example, it recently unveiled a Material 3 Expressive overhaul for the interface, a series of unique design elements previously only available on the Android phone version. The biggest change is the ability to customize the layout, look and feel of the dashboard. The goal is to unify and equalize the user experience across all platforms, while offering more “premium” opportunities.
Many of these features will improve the way you interact with your dashboard. While there were already some pretty nifty ways to use Gemini on Android Auto, the new update will also introduce a host of new features for that purpose. Google calls it Gemini Intelligence, an assistant-like platform that aims to help you keep your attention on the road while it handles a variety of minor tasks.
Ultimately, the latest update – Android Auto 17.0 – is starting an early rollout to users, but not to everyone yet. Those who want to test the beta versions will be the first to try everything before it is available in public release. There aren’t many major changes in this one, according to Autoevolution, despite what Google promised. This also means that most of the new features won’t arrive until later this year.
1. Android Auto gets dashboard widgets
On Android smartphones, you can personalize your home screen by adding widgets, many of which are tailored to the apps you have installed. Some examples include a financial ticker that displays real-time stock prices, a trading app, personalized notes you created, calendar alerts, weather notifications and much more. Widgets are finally also coming to Android Auto. Google plans to make widgets already available on Android phones compatible with Android Auto, meaning they should work properly and appear side-by-side with the main UI elements. This may also result in more support when the feature launches with a higher degree of compatibility, if developers don’t need to create an entirely separate widget template.
A simple swipe will bring up a list of widgets to choose from, including popular options like weather, calendar, and smart home controls. Once selected, you’ll be able to see them and the information they provide at a glance, right on your main dashboard. You can also display photos of your kids or pets on screen via a gallery widget, which Google introduced during its I/O announcement. It’s exciting to know that these changes are underway and will be available soon.
2. YouTube (parked) will be available to watch in Full HD
You and your family can relax and watch movies or shows from the comfort of your vehicle. Video apps like YouTube will play on your Android Auto screen at 60 frames per second when parked. Once you start driving, the video portion of the stream will disappear, but the audio will continue to play in the background, like an audiobook or podcast. This is so that there are no distractions while driving.
There are certain limitations to be aware of. Video resolution depends on your vehicle’s screen, so Full HD will not be available in all cars. Google has named a few brands that will support all features, including BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and more.
Additionally, while YouTube will support these new features as soon as they become available, all future apps will need to do the same. This means they will need to support background audio and, in some cases, may require a premium subscription to continue streaming the audio portion only. YouTube Premium is usually required to play audio in the background.
3. Google Maps gets a ton of new improvements, visual and beyond
Google has previously stated that Google Maps will now display more immersive visuals when navigating roads, but we got to see this first-hand at Google I/O. When these updates become available, you’ll see more realistic 3D buildings and skyscrapers, as well as the precise locations of street lights and street signs, street names, and road changes, such as when a ramp appears. The goal is to get more informative and accurate guides that will prove very useful when traveling to new and unfamiliar places.
Maps will also now offer direct lane guidance, telling you when to merge left or when to prepare for a turn, rather than just throwing high-level instructions at you. One of the technologies enabling this is Gemini, combined with Google-integrated cars. Gemini Intelligence can use your car’s front sensors and other data to assess driving lanes and conditions, and present it to you on your dashboard. The result is a more visually appealing and contextually sensitive navigation interface that, dare I say, creates fewer headaches and frustrations during a road trip.
4. Better hands-free experiences with Gemini Intelligence
Regardless of what you think of AI, there’s one thing that tends to work well: improving most hands-free experiences, especially voice assistants. Google is now making this a reality in Android Auto vehicles with the help of Gemini Intelligence. This goes far beyond simply providing instructions or managing vehicle-related tasks. In one example shown by Google, Gemini searches for an address and automatically sends it to a contact via SMS, all with a single click, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road. It gleans this information from emails and contact details, searching for an appointment in the calendar to find the address.
Google also shares the example of someone ordering their usual meal through DoorDash but doubling the amount or checking to see if a TV will fit in the trunk of their vehicle. He looks at the specifications of the box and compares them to the dimensions of the car’s trunk. No more frantic Googling to find out if you made a mistake at checkout. It can also tell you exactly what a mysterious warning light or dashboard indicator means. Gemini should help you better plan for various situations, on and off the road.
Visual design and experience improvements for everyone
The integration of Material 3 Expressive visuals makes a much bigger difference to the updated experience than you might think. Android Auto now adapts to dashboard screens more than ever, adapting to unusual resolutions or non-rectangular shapes and allowing the software to make optimal use of round screens and beyond. It’s also “designed to be unique,” according to Google, which is very much in line with the traditional Android experience on smartphones. It looks like this will largely eliminate common apps or settings that might be ruining your Android Auto experience. Gemini could reduce the need to train your Google Assistant, and visual changes to Maps could make it look better overall.
Spatial audio will be available via Dolby Atmos in supported apps and cars. This means your music will be more dynamic. Additionally, these apps also get visual tweaks with new looks for Spotify, YouTube Music and more.
The fact is, some of the minor improvements happening beneath the surface are just as exciting as the bigger ones. Sure, you can watch YouTube and customize the widgets, but the whole experience is getting a more responsive and personal overhaul, and that seems like a net positive change.
