All About Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

[Nairrk]

Android Auto update tracker March 2023

The Search Engine Tech Giant is rolling out the new UI for its Android Auto app. The company teased Android Auto’s new user interface featuring multitasking in Google IO 2022.

The company regularly updates the application to make the driving experience of a consumer safer and more accessible. At the beginning of 2022, the company displayed the new UI for the Android Auto app. This article will discuss the latest update, features, and more. Read more to find out.

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[Nairrk]

The ‘next-generation’ of CarPlay is launching this year; here’s everything we know

Since its initial introduction, Apple’s CarPlay platform has become ubiquitous. It’s available in the vast majority of new cars on the market today, and for good reason: it’s one of the top things people look for when buying a new car.

At WWDC last June, Apple announced what it calls the “next generation of CarPlay.” This new CarPlay interface is set to debut in new cars as soon as later this year, and it’s going to be a big change.

Read more..

 

[Nairrk]

CarPlay in iOS 17 adds SharePlay for Apple Music listening parties, even for long-distance friends

One of the big changes in iOS 17 for CarPlay users is the addition of SharePlay support for Apple Music. This feature allows anyone in the car to control and contribute to what’s playing via Apple Music, rather than just one person.

SharePlay in CarPlay didn’t seem to work properly in iOS 17 beta 1, but I took it for another test drive with beta two this week. My takeaway? This is going to be a very, very fun feature.

The process of initiating a SharePlay session in CarPlay is a breeze. On the Apple Music Now Playing screen, there’s a new SharePlay icon in the upper-right corner. Tapping on this will bring up a QR code that other people can scan. Once they scan that QR code, you’ll receive a pop-up that tells you someone wants to join your SharePlay session.

Once you accept that request, the other person is able to control what’s playing via Apple Music. Interestingly, this works even if that other person doesn’t have an Apple Music subscription themselves.

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[Nairrk]

Android Auto finally ditches an annoying restriction when using Google Maps

Google Maps can now display navigation on both your phone and head unit at the same time, suggesting that Android Auto's simultaneous-use feature has returned after a brief appearance earlier this year.

A number of users took to Reddit to report that they're now able to open the navigation app on their phones as Android Auto is being engaged simultaneously (via Android Police). This functionality went live for a limited set of users in February but was later removed after a few days.

The previous limitation meant that if you wish to see navigation details on the larger screen of your head unit, you won't be able to interact with Google Maps on your handset and do things like search for destinations. As a result, you would be limited to viewing only turn-by-turn navigation, ETA, distance remaining, and music controls when Android Auto is active.

Limitations like this are due to safety reasons, with Google presumably not wanting your attention to be distracted by your mobile device. However, using Maps on your head unit and handset at the same time is especially useful if you have a co-pilot who can provide more detailed directions using your Android Auto-connected phone.

This was a longtime frustration for many Android Auto users, though they were briefly given a treat in February only to see it disappear after a short period of time. Nonetheless, the feature's reappearance suggests that it's here to stay, as a wider range of users can now use Maps on their phone and head unit at the same time. Some people even noticed the change a few days ago.

Android Auto already provides a handy interface that makes Google's operating system easier to use while you're behind the wheel. But being able to access Maps' additional features on your phone provides a fully functional experience.

Android Central

 

[Nairrk]

New Android Auto update: How to Download Version 10.1 without waiting

Google has completed the beta testing of another Android Auto version, so users can install a new stable build through the Google Play Store or using the stand-alone APK file.

Android Auto 10.1 entered the beta stage on July 22, but Google's accelerated release pace allowed the company to complete the testing by the end of the month.

As a result, the stable version of Android Auto 10.1 is now live, with the rollout happening through the Google Play Store in stages.

The phased approach gives Google more time to monitor the reliability of the process, eventually being able to suspend the rollout if it discovers major bugs. The strategy sometimes becomes more frustrating for users, as they must wait up to several weeks to receive the latest Android Auto version. It also leads to version fragmentation, as some users stick with older builds while others already run the latest releases.

If you don't want to wait, manually downloading Android Auto 10.1 is your best option.

The APK file allows you to install an Android Auto update without waiting. The phone brand and model make no difference if you configure it to allow apps from third-party sources. By default, Android blocks apps from outside the Google Play Store. During the APK installation process (also known as sideloading), you should see a permission request to configure the operating system to allow non-Google Play Store app sources.

The process involves only a few steps. You must download the APK file on your device and launch it using a file manager. If you already enabled sideloading, the update should complete in a few seconds.

Android Auto 10.1 comes without a changelog, so it's impossible to tell what's new without installing it. I already updated Android Auto on my device to the latest version. Still, I can't notice any significant change, so most likely, Google focused on under-the-hood improvements and performance optimizations. The new Google Assistant animation spotted by some in Android Auto 10 is still unavailable on my device, so the search giant hasn't yet started the rollout.

Considering it's a bug-fixing release, Android Auto 10.1 is a recommended update, especially if you've been struggling with various bugs in your car. Google has several widespread problems to resolve on Android Auto, including phone call issues, as users report that the sound is sometimes routed to the mobile device and not to the car's speakers. Others reported overheating issues, while some users claim that Google Maps keeps running on their phones after disconnecting them from Android Auto.

You can find the Android Auto 10.1 APK installer on this page

Autoevolution

 

[Nairrk]

Android Auto, Google Built-In to now support Zoom audio calls

Google has updated its Android Auto and Built-In applications; the latter's integrated into the infotainment and makes Google the operating system. They will now support more apps and features than before, and with this update, it brings in support for apps like Amazon Prime Video, Zoom and The Weather Channel, among others.

1. Drivers can now access WebEx and Zoom without a smartphone
2. Google Built-In adds support for Amazon Prime Video
3. Google announced Vivaldi, a chromium-based web browser for cars

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[Figoian]

A

Android Auto, Google Built-In to now support Zoom audio calls

Google has updated its Android Auto and Built-In applications; the latter's integrated into the infotainment and makes Google the operating system. They will now support more apps and features than before, and with this update, it brings in support for apps like Amazon Prime Video, Zoom and The Weather Channel, among others.

1. Drivers can now access WebEx and Zoom without a smartphone
2. Google Built-In adds support for Amazon Prime Video
3. Google announced Vivaldi, a chromium-based web browser for cars

Read

Any idea about Teams? Apart from notifications, it's just of no use.

 

[Nairrk]

Android Auto is rolling out another new design for Google Maps

New tweaks to the UI design of Android Auto come pretty frequently, with Google Maps now getting another facelift to the navigation screen.

Rolling out now on Android Auto, the navigation section of Maps is getting a facelift with new button designs and less crowded information.

The update, which appears to be server-side and may not be showing for all users just yet, has the estimated travel time listed at the top in bold text, with distance and estimated time of arrival (ETA) below that. Further down, button to stop navigation, look at alternate routes, search for additional locations, see stops on the route, and an overflow button are shown. These have also been slightly redesigned, and removed a line divider between the two sections that appeared in the previous design.

The new look is much more modern, and plays especially nicely with the new sidebar that Google launched on Android Auto recently.

We’re seeing the change on Google Maps v11.104.0100 and Android Auto v10.8, which are rolling out via the Play Store.

9to5Google

 

[Nairrk]

Google Maps for Android Auto gets updated colors too

Google Maps is widely rolling out a revamped color palette and, now, that’s also showing up on Android Auto too.

The updated look for Google Maps replaces the usual warm colors with a new, colder color palette. Greens used to represent parks and forests are now a mint color, while roads are grey. It definitely has some usability improvements, but it’s a jarring change.

That change has widely rolled out across the web, Android, and iOS, and it also applies on Android Auto.

In line with the Android app changes, the app now shows its colder color palette throughout the map, as well as through big parts of the UI. As seen below, all text, the blue navigation line, and the direction card at the top of the UI have all changed colors.

9to5google

 

[Nairrk]

New Apple CarPlay plans to take over the car in 2024

Apple CarPlay should soon be taking over your entire dashboard, instead of just the infotainment screen, after the electronics giant confirmed plans to roll out the next generation of its in-car technology.

Up to now, CarPlay and its rival, Google’s Android Auto, have existed as software run independently of the vehicle, with very limited control over the car’s functions. This has often forced users to exit CarPlay temporarily to make adjustments to, for example, the radio station or the heating and ventilation.

The new version of CarPlay will offer much higher levels of integration, including a bespoke interface that extends beyond the central display to take over the digital instrument panel, and greater access to key car data like speed, efficiency or even tyre pressures.

Apple has worked with Porsche and Aston Martin on the new version, and a preview image issued by the British luxury brand reveals that Apple CarPlay will be able to control temperatures and fan speeds – and introduce a bespoke instrument panel with unique dials. The Porsche image shows that Apple intends to make use of the extra real estate of the brand’s front-passenger display too, with diary elements from the user shown there.

Aston’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer Marco Mattiacci said, “The integration of the latest state-of-the-art technology, combined with a bespoke intuitive interface, is paramount to creating the ultimate Aston Martin customer experience. We look forward to sharing more as we work together with Apple to bring the next generation of CarPlay to Aston Martins in 2024.”

That relatively vague target date is as much detail as we have so far on a schedule for the rollout – although the choice of Aston and Porsche as initial launch partners would suggest that the process is both involved and potentially expensive.

Autoexpress

 

[Nairrk]

Google to integrate AI tech into Android Auto system

Google is planning to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) systems into its Android Auto in-car technology.

Designed to allow drivers to ‘stay focused on the road’ while still being able to communicate safely when behind the wheel, the new version of Android Auto will use AI to automatically summarise long texts or ‘busy group chats’ to make them simpler to decipher when driving.

To reply, the system will be capable of suggesting relevant replies and actions that the driver will be able to take via the car’s main screen and, most importantly, without touching their smartphone. The tech giant says that the new Android Auto system will allow owners to ‘enjoy the best of their smartphone in the car’.

Google says that, for example, it would allow a driver to easily access a location shared by a friend and plug it into their Maps system at the press of a button. The system would also give drivers the option to let their friend know their estimated time of arrival all through a series of simplified inputs.

The update was announced alongside the introduction of Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 series smartphone. Google also added that future Android Auto systems would be able to reflect this new Galaxy’s appearance so that an owner’s personal wallpaper and icons would be transferred seamlessly to the car’s infotainment.

A number of carmakers already use Google’s Automotive system to power their in-car infotainment systems. Brands such as Volvo and Polestar both use the brand’s know-how as a basis for their own car entertainment systems, so there’s a likelihood that these new AI-based services could also be used by car manufacturers too.

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[Nairrk]

Apple next-generation CarPlay: Confirmed vehicles, manufacturers, and more

Apple unveiled its brand new next-generation CarPlay nearly two years ago alongside iOS 16 at WWDC 2022.

At the time, Apple hailed the original CarPlay as having "fundamentally changed the way people interact with their vehicles," stating the next generation of CarPlay would go "even further by deeply integrating with a car’s hardware."

The announcement wowed at the time, but it wasn't until nearly 18 months later that we got our first official announcement of actual cars that would feature the new iteration, and the hype has somewhat died down since. So what is Apple's next generation of CarPlay, and who will support it?

Apple has confirmed the following manufacturers are committed to supporting next-generation CarPlay:

• Acura
• Audi
• Ford
• Honda
• Infiniti
• Jaguar
• Land Rover
• Lincoln
• Mercedes-Benz
• Nissan
• Polestar
• Porsche
• Renault
• Volvo

Since then, Aston Martin has announced it will support next-generation CarPlay, so we can also add it to the list.

Only two manufacturers have announced support for next-generation CarPlay in upcoming models, Aston Martin and Porsche.

Aston Martin says it will debut the system in its 2024 DB12 coupe and the convertible DB12 Volante model.

Porsche did not specify any specific vehicle models or a time frame.

• Aston Martin DB12 coupe
• Aston Martin DB12 Volante

It appears Apple is working with manufacturers to create bespoke interfaces for their cars. Porsche's interface features a custom background wallpaper in the style of its Pepita seat pattern, while Aston Martin's will feature custom British Racing Green colors and "Handbuilt in Great Britain" wraparound text.

Apple's next-generation CarPlay features deep, system-level integration with your vehicle. That means it will allow you to control things like the climate and your radio directly via CarPlay.

It will also feature integration with certain metrics and data, such as speed, fuel level and range, temperatures, and more.

Next-generation CarPlay features different gauge cluster designs, and widgets, so you can add information like apps like Weather and Music directly to your dashboard.

It will also feature Apple Home integration, with obvious use cases such as controlling your HomeKit enabled garage door directly from your car.

Source

 

[Nairrk]

You can now test to see if your car works with wireless Android Auto adapters

Android Auto is already a safer and more convenient way to use navigation and music apps in your car, but it’s even better when its wireless. Now, there’s a new compatibility test to see not only if your car works with Android Auto, but with wireless Android Auto adapters.

Google’s Android Auto platform is relatively new in the world of cars, only having been widely supported since around 2016-2017, depending on your car’s manufacturer. Around that time is when Android Auto and Apple CarPlay became standard features in most new vehicles. Wireless support, though, is still a rarity even in cars made nearly a decade later.

That’s why wireless adapters for Android Auto and CarPlay are so useful. But, even then, it’s always good to know if such an adapter even works in your vehicle.

The folks over at AAWireless, the first wireless adapter for Android Auto, have this week launched a new compatibility test. You can simply plug in your car’s make, model, and year to find out whether or not a wireless Android Auto adapter, specifically AAWireless, is supported in your vehicle. Though, technically speaking, most adapters will work if AAWireless does.

To use this new wireless Android Auto compatibility tool, simply head to AAWireless’ website. You’ll input your name, then your car’s brand and model. You’ll then be asked to narrow down the year the vehicle was made. Finally, you’ll be asked to input your email – this isn’t used to send marketing emails, AAWireless notes, but it will deliver the results which also appear on the webpage after you hit “Submit.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to skip inputting an email address.

This simple test takes out a good amount of guesswork. AAWireless tells 9to5Google that some examples of vehicles that wouldn’t be listed as compatible would be older models, head units that don’t support Android Auto, or vehicles/head units that already natively support wireless functionality, as those wouldn’t need a wireless adapter in the first place.

The dongle is available at Amazon

9to5google

 

[Nairrk]

How to turn off Google Maps 3D buildings on Android Auto and CarPlay

Google Maps has long featured the ability to show buildings in 3D while navigating, but recently started rolling out that view to its Android Auto and CarPlay experiences. Here’s how to disable that.

3D buildings in Google Maps allows the typical navigation view to show 3D representations of the buildings around your route. This can be helpful for getting a better idea of the space you’re trying to navigate around. However, it’s not for everyone. Luckily, turning the feature off is relatively easy.

How to turn off Google Maps 3D buildings on Android Auto
On Android Auto, turning off 3D buildings in Google Maps is rather easy.

Opening up Maps in fullscreen on your car’s display will reveal a settings shortcut and, as you scroll down the page, a toggle will appear for “3D buildings.” This is turned on by default.

The same setting works on vehicles with Android Automotive too.

There’s also a similar toggle in the Google Maps app for Android (Settings > Navigation), but this doesn’t always mirror the setting to Android Auto. Only in the most recent (beta) versions does this setting seem to sync between Android and the car’s display.

How to turn off Google Maps 3D buildings on CarPlay
Unfortunately, the process isn’t quite as easy on CarPlay, in part because the Google Maps app on CarPlay is bad.

To disable 3D buildings in Google Maps on CarPlay, you’ll first need to disconnect your iPhone from your car. Next, open the Google Maps app, tap on your profile picture, then go to Settings > Navigation. There, you’ll find a toggle for “Show 3D buildings” which can be turned off.

While that setting is on your phone, toggling it will reflect the change in CarPlay too.

9to5Google

 

[Nairrk]

Android Auto 11.8 rolling out with major redesign to settings

Android Auto is finally giving its settings menu an overhaul, with a redesign now rolling out to users. Here’s what’s new.

The Android Auto settings menu has had the same look since 2020, with a blue and white UI that didn’t support a dark mode or align with the look of modern Android. But, for a couple of years now, there’s been a huge redesign waiting in the wings.

Earlier this month, we asked why Google hadn’t yet rolled out the new design, and now, that’s exactly what’s happening.

Rolling out with Android Auto version 11.8, Google is putting live the new settings redesign by default. This new version is primarily rolling out via the beta program.

This new design for the settings menu adopts Google’s latest Material You guidelines, with colors that change based on the system’s theme and, finally, support for dark mode. The overall settings themselves haven’t really changed all that much. The graphic at the top of the page has been removed, with a “Connect a car” button at the top and various sections for settings around Startup, Display, Assistant, Maps, Messaging, and more.

The “Customize launcher” page has also been updated with the new design.

It’s still unclear why it took Google so long to roll out this update, especially seeing as it hasn’t changed much since we first saw it back in 2022, but we’re just glad to see it’s finally available.

You can access Android Auto settings on Pixel via Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto.

Additional options, such as the ability to take a screenshot, are still available under the overflow menu and “Developer Settings,” but this page is still using the older design that’s forced to be in light mode.

9t05Google