- The new design focuses on three things — navigation, communication with friends and family, and playing music or podcasts.
- Google Assistant will be able to provide smart suggestions such as missed call reminders, quick arrival time-sharing, and instant access to music and podcasts.
- Android Auto will soon allow users to use WhatsApp for calling on new Google Pixel and Samsung phones.
Google is finally rolling out the Android Auto app with the new Material You design in stable form for all. In the new update announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023, users will get redesigned UI, and some exciting features like Coolwalk UI for all, split screen functionality, and multitasking capabilities. First previewed at Google I/O 2022, the app lets users connect their Android phones to their car screens. A beta version was released in November.
According to a blog post by Google, the new Android Auto app brings the Material You redesign along with direct access to Google built-in apps from Google Play to the car screen. As part of this update, the app also adds split screen layouts and new improvements for a more personalized experience. The tech giant said that the new design focuses on three things — navigation, communication with friends and family, and playing music or podcasts. The app has moved Maps closer to the driver’s seat for easy access.
Google claims that the new media card includes the best features of Material You, as well as a quick launcher that lets users get to recently-used apps quickly. Also, the split screen layout adjusts to different screen sizes as the Android Auto app is compatible with all major carmakers. As part of the Android Auto redesign, Google Assistant will also be able to provide smart suggestions such as missed call reminders, quick arrival time-sharing, and instant access to music and podcasts.
Additionally, Android Auto will soon allow users to use WhatsApp for calling on new Google Pixel and Samsung phones. Furthermore, users can now share digital car keys across Pixel and iPhones, while Samsung phones, and Xiaomi users will get this ability later this year.
Last year in May at I/O 2022, Google announced a bunch of new features for Android Auto. Among the features it announced were a new user interface and support for suggested responses coming from Google Assistant’s suggestions.
