Android Auto users cannot pause. Not only are they dealing with an annoying Google Maps bug that kills traffic information, but Google is also changing the appearance of a vital part of the Android Auto experience. Earlier this year, Google began slowly rolling out a new media player design to Android Auto. The redesign features a new look based on Material 3, which gives the audio playback progress line typically seen on Spotify and other media apps a more wavy appearance. Now it appears that Google is starting to roll out the feature more widely, and Android Auto has received mixed opinions from users. (via 9to5Google)
Over the past few days, more users have taken to Reddit to discuss the design. While some are happy with it, saying it makes it easier to see what’s happening on Android Auto, others have lamented the layout changes and even asked if they could turn off the wavy line themselves. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to revert to the old design once the new one hits your devices, although some recommend downgrading the latest Android Auto update to see if it removes it. However, there is no guarantee that it will work and you may have no choice but to try to learn to love it, so to speak.
Deployment is slow
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One of the biggest drawbacks for Android Auto users is that Google tends to roll out big changes slowly. The company took its time rolling out Gemini to its in-vehicle system, and it looks like that’s the case here as well. Some commenters on Reddit noted that they only saw the new UI and wavy progress bar on some phones. For example, one comment notes that their Vivo V70 does not have an updated progress bar, unlike their older Samsung A30. Other users reported that they had it on their old phone, but after purchasing a new one, they no longer had the wavy bar. As such, there is no foolproof way of knowing when you will get the change.
In addition to the updated wavy bar design, users also discussed the expanded look of album art and Google’s changes to the placement of Android Auto’s media playback buttons. Some users generally welcomed the changes, noting that they make it easier to change tracks while driving and that the new wavy line makes it much easier to see when something is playing than the old style, where it was always flat and only changed color and slightly enlarged. Not only does the design match Google’s Material 3 language, but it also adds an accessibility benefit for drivers who want to more easily know when something is playing.
