Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are among the most in-demand features for new vehicles. Automakers are keen to offer the features, and both Google and Apple invest plenty of money and effort to ensure the best user experience. Apple updated CarPlay functionality with iOS 16 in late 2022, and this week we learned about Google’s plans for Android Auto.
The internet behemoth announced updates to Android Auto at CES 2023 in Las Vegas this week, showing off a new split-screen layout and deeper functionality for Google Assistant. Android Auto’s new design places a high priority on navigation, communication, and entertainment. The split-screen system can now adapt to different screen sizes, so it’ll look just as good on a tall portrait-oriented screen as it does on a wide landscape display.
Google Assistant became smarter with the update and can now make proactive suggestions for missed calls, reminders, and access to media like podcasts and music. Updates to the music and podcasts apps bring a movable progress bar to fast-forward or rewind, which Google said was one of its most requested features.
Other updates focus on Google built-in, which is offered in a growing number of new vehicles, including the 2023 Honda Accord Touring, many Volvo models, Polestar vehicles, some GM models, and select Renault models. The Waze app is now available for some Renault models with the Google built-in and will become available for other models soon.
A new HD map function is coming soon, starting with the new Volvo EX90 EV, expected early in 2024, and the Polestar 3, which lands in late 2023. It will be capable of displaying detailed road information, such as signs, road barriers, and lane markers. Google said the tech would support new vehicles with semi-autonomous driving technologies and provide hands-free driving functionality on more roads.
Google will begin offering entertainment options for vehicles with its built-in services and said YouTube would soon be available for in-car viewing. Tubi and MGM+ are already offered through the Google Play App.
