All About Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

[Nairrk]

Android Auto preparing Gemini Live support and ‘local media’ controls alongside radio

Google appears to be working on a couple of new Android Auto features, with further support for “local media” from your car continuing to be developed alongside hints that Gemini Live may be supported in the car.

As we first reported in July, Google is working on support for controlling your car’s radio through Android Auto directly. Since then, Google has continued to work on this functionality.

Android Auto 12.7 hints at support for adding and removing “Favorite” stations through an app on Android Auto, while the latest Android Auto 12.8 beta adds information about using “Car Local Media” through Auto.

• <string name=”radio_add_favorite_label”>Add</string>
• <string name=”radio_node_favorites_display_name”>Favorites</string>
• <string name=”radio_remove_favorite_label”>Remove</string>
• <string name=”car_local_media_service_label”>Car Local Media</string>

Beyond that, these recent updates have also added icons for both the radio and local media playback, as pictured below.

None of these options have actually gone live yet, though.

Further, Google also appears to be preparing support for Gemini Live support on Android Auto. A new string directly references a codename associated with Gemini and the ability to “start conversation,” but it’s also not yet live. Some of the added assets also include the “star” used for Gemini, and Android Authority noted some further references as well.

<string name=”gearhead_assistant_action_kitt_live_query”>Start conversation</string>
“Kitt_live” has been used previously be Google in relation to Gemini Live. Long before that, Google used “kitt” regarding in-car always-listening voice functionality. Gemini Live made its debut earlier this month alongside the Pixel 9 series, and is rolling out to Android users in English with Gemini Advanced.

It’s unclear when Google intends to roll out either of these options, but with continued issues with Google Assistant on Android Auto, it’s not surprising that a Gemini upgrade is in the works.

9To5google

 

[Nairrk]

AAWireless update prepares for the Android Auto adapter sequel, improves pairing status

The second generation of the first wireless Android Auto adapter, AAWireless, is right around the corner as a new firmware update prepares for its arrival and makes some improvements to the existing model.

AAWireless announced a second version of its Android Auto adapter, AAWireless 2, earlier this year. The new device has updated hardware and a button for added functionality, but we haven’t heard much on its release date in the time since. It seems, though, that the release is approaching.

• AAWireless 2 quick look: How it compares to the original Android Auto adapter [Gallery]

Through its changelog, AAWireless has announced a new firmware update rolling out to the original adapter which, among other things, adds support for AAWireless 2.

The 4.0.0 update brings software support for the sequel adapter, signaling that its launch may be coming relatively soon.

Another key hint that AAWireless 2 is coming is that this update enables support for showing a purple LED when no phones are paired to the adapter, something that we saw in the original teaser for the sequel.

Other fixes include preventing phones from switching on head units that cause the adapter to reboot when stopping Android Auto or CarPlay, fixing developer mode, and a couple of improvements when running Android Auto over CarPlay (on cars that don’t already have wired Android Auto support).

[4.0.0]
General:‍

• Add AAWireless TWO support
• Make LED go purple when no phones are paired
• Fix phone switching on head units which kill USB power (thus make AAWireless reboot) when stopping Android Auto or CarPlay.

Android Auto

• Fix developer mode on newer headunits

Android Auto over CarPlay

• Touchpad tweaks
• Fix phone call audio with multiple phones paired

This update is rolling out to the existing model. AAWireless 2 isn’t on sale just yet, but is likely just around the corner.

The original AAWireless is currently on sale for $65.

9To5Google

 

[Nairrk]

Google Maps on Android Auto adds an easier ‘Add Stop’ button

Google Maps is picking up a couple of new features on Android Auto, with a new and much easier way to add a stop on your route.

The Android Auto version of Google Maps is occasionally lacking features. For instance, we’ve been asking for incident reporting on the platform for years now, and it’s only just now finally coming (or at least, it’s supposed to). But there are some other, smaller things that haven’t been available until now.

One of those that’s quietly rolled out in recent updates is an “Add Stop” button for Google Maps on Android Auto.

When selecting a new location to navigate to, Google Maps will now show a prominent “Add Stop” button underneath the location details, as pictured below. This was highlighted by Hipertextual and we’ve since confirmed that it’s available with the latest updates (though it’s likely not tied to the Android Auto v12.9 release currently rolling out in beta). We’re not quite sure exactly when the button was added, though, but it’s fairly recent.

The ability to add a stop on Android Auto has been available for a while by voice command, but it’s not easy to do it via the touchscreen. This new button, which appears during the timer before navigation actually starts, provides a very quick and easy shortcut.

9T05Google

 

[Nairrk]

Google Maps update on Android Auto makes lane guidance easier to read

Google Maps has long supported the ability to show which lane you should be in, but an update to Android Auto is making lane guidance more obvious and easier to read too.

In a quiet update rolled out in the past few weeks, Google Maps on Android Auto has started showing lane guidance – the arrows that show which lane you should be in – in a slightly better way.

Specifically, the change here is in the distance between the arrows in the lanes. You’ll find that there’s more space between these arrows which helps better show how many lanes are in place and better highlights which one you should actually be in.

Previously, lane guidance appeared in the same place, above the current direction, but had the lanes more scrunched together. There was also a separation between the direction and the lane guidance, which are now merged into the same block. Before that, lane guidance would sometimes show underneath the current directions in an even smaller form.

It’s a very minor tweak, but one that’s noticeably better for navigation.

This is rolling out likely in line with other improvements Google has made to Maps that were announced in July.

Meanwhile, we’re still waiting on Google to widely roll out incident reporting on Android Auto.

9To5Google

 

[Nairrk]

Android Automotive gains Google Maps incident reporting function

Android Automotive is getting feature parity with Auto as live incident reporting in Google Maps is rolling out right now for the in-car OS.

While Android Auto is effectively a tethered phone-led experience that plugs into your car, Android Automotive is car first – which poses some problems for software updates and user experience. Back in July, Google confirmed that live incident reports were coming to Android Auto and Automotive, but it has taken a few extra days to come to the latter in Google Maps.

Incident reporting was first launched on Google Maps a few years ago. Annoyingly, this feature has been limited to mobile devices only. But in July of this year, Google added the feature to Apple’s CarPlay in-car system. Not long after, the feature was announced to be coming to India with a global rollout expected. As of last week, incident reporting began rolling out widely.

Since that rollout began for mobile devices, it appears that the switch has been flipped on Android Automotive hardware, too, as I’m now able to use the incident reporting function from within Google Maps on my own Polestar 2 while others are reporting the same. This change was not quite in lockstep with Android Auto, but it’s one of the fastest rollouts in recent years for a feature of this kind.

When you open Google Maps, the sidebar will appear when you tap the yellow hazard triangle. From here you can tap a specific incident to report including a crash, general congestion, roadworks, lane closures, stalled vehicles, objects in the road, or even mobile speed cameras. One of the limitations is that you can only make one report per road in our brief testing – so that is something to bear in mind.

9To5google

 

[Nairrk]

Android Auto 13.0 update is now rolling out, prepares for new ‘Car Media’ feature

Android Auto app updates are usually fairly unimportant, but the latest version has now reached v13.0. What does that mean for you as a user? While updates likely addresses some bug and makes assorted fixes, but there are no user-facing changes from what we can see.

Behind the scenes, though, the update does continue to develop one new feature.

Google has been working through the past few Android Auto versions on control for AM/FM radio as well as local media, and Android Auto v13.0 continues work on this. In the latest update, we spotted strings that refer to the feature as “Car Media” and address how it would work with missing or unavailable media.

• <string name=”car_local_media_service_label”>Car Media</string>
• <string name=”car_local_media_media_source_unavailable_error”>%1$s is not available.</string>
• <string name=”car_local_media_missing_song_name”>Unknown</string>
• <string name=”car_local_media_sources_root”>Car Media Sources</string>

It’s still unclear when the feature is coming – it’s still not live in Android Auto 13.0 – but Google continues to develop it behind the scenes.

Previously, icons for the feature were added to the app.

Android Auto v13.0 is rolling out now via the Play Store.

9To5google

 

[Nairrk]

AAWireless TWO builds on the best wireless Android Auto adapter

Wireless Android Auto adapters have been an incredibly convenient tool, and now the best one is getting a sequel. With availability starting today, here are a few initial thoughts on AAWireless TWO.

The original AAWireless was a solid product, offering the ability to plug the adapter into your car’s USB port and take over what was a wired-only Android Auto connection and turn it wireless. The crowdfunded adapter works wonderfully in most vehicles, and also had the most utility. Not only did it make a wireless connection available, it also offered further tweaks to the experience that you can’t do with anything else through an app, and got regular software updates to squash any bugs or issues that arose. There was even a way to use the adapter to use CarPlay too.

So, what comes with the upgrade to AAWireless TWO?

Primarily, this is an upgrade about fit and finish, starting with the updated hardware. TWO is smaller than the original model, though not to the point where it would matter in most cases. In the tight spot in my center console, though, the smaller size is definitely appreciated as it helps to reduce the clutter.

More impactful is the addition of a button on the device. This button can be used to switch between paired smartphones, as well as to “pause” the connection. You can also use it to default back to a specific paired device, or start pairing. This is a great quality-of-life change, as it makes it much easier to connect to a new device, or switch between who’s phone is paired, which is of course helpful in a shared vehicle, or if you have more than one device. The actions on this button are also mappable in the app, with press, double-press, and long-press actions being re-mappable.

The other benefit of that button is that it moves the LED to a place that’s easily and readily visible. When connection troubleshooting comes into play, that’s going to be a welcome change.

In terms of features and performance, though, there are no noticeable changes. I’m seeing the connection in roughly the same amount of time, have had no issues with staying connected over the past week, and have really had the same experience as a whole. That’s not a bad thing, though, as AAWireless has always provided a stable experience for me.

AAWireless TWO is available for purchase as of today, though I’m told that stock might be hit or miss as those who registered for the device had the first crack as sales over the past day or two. AAWireless TWO costs $65, and the original is still on sale for $59.

The other benefit of that button is that it moves the LED to a place that’s easily and readily visible. When connection troubleshooting comes into play, that’s going to be a welcome change.

In terms of features and performance, though, there are no noticeable changes. I’m seeing the connection in roughly the same amount of time, have had no issues with staying connected over the past week, and have really had the same experience as a whole. That’s not a bad thing, though, as AAWireless has always provided a stable experience for me.

9To5google

 

[Nairrk]

New Android Auto update: Version 13.2 now available for everyone

Android Auto 13.2 is now available for download in the production ring, with the rollout currently in the early phases through the Google Play Store.

This means you may not see the update today on the Play Store, but anyone can download it manually by sideloading the APK on their devices. All they have to do is download the APK installer to their devices. Next, they must tap the installer and follow the on-screen wizard to complete the update.

It's that easy, and the process shouldn't take more than a few seconds, especially because you don't have to remove your existing Android Auto installation.

The focus is mostly on under-the-hood changes, so if you were struggling with a long-time Android Auto bug, you should install this update and see if your problem is fixed.

Otherwise, Google is making progress on some highly anticipated updates, such as the ability to make calls using other apps installed on your mobile devices.

The only dialer currently supported on Android Auto is the default phone app, but as many users know, you can use your mobile device to make audio and video calls using a wide range of other apps. For example, I typically use WhatsApp for video calls, especially as most people in my region use the Facebook-owned app for messaging. iMessage is not very popular here, despite the fact that many people own an iPhone, so WhatsApp is king for messaging and audio and video calls.

Google wants to address this shortcoming by adding the ability to make calls using third-party apps like WhatsApp. Beginning in a future update, you will be able to use other dialers on Android Auto, so you can select a contact and make an audio call without unlocking your mobile device. The previous Android Auto builds included early code for this feature, but the work on this front is still in its early days, and Google doesn't appear to have a timeframe for releasing it to production devices.

Android Auto 13.2 should land on more devices in the coming weeks when the wave-based rollout through the Google Play Store gains more pace. If you notice something new, including long overdue bug fixes, make sure you drop me a line in the box after the jump

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