Google’s Android Auto platform is getting a complete refresh, with a visual overhaul, additional apps, and Gemini Intelligence support. Based on everything revealed, it’s definitely long overdue. But, hopefully, it’s worth the wait. Let’s get into all that’s new.
On the visual side, Google is adding its Material 3 Expressive UI to Android Auto. This also means Google Maps will get the Immersive Navigation update, which provides edge-to-edge maps with a 3D view of buildings with detailed lanes, traffic lights, stop signs, crosswalks, etc. This also includes new fonts, animations, wallpapers, and widget support for at-a-glance info, favorite contacts, weather, one-tap garage door access, and more.
Gemini Intelligence has been a part of nearly all of Google’s Android Show announcements and is set to arrive later this year. The feature will vastly improve Android Auto’s ability to understand context to complete tasks and utilize Magic Cue to bring info from Messages or Calendar to order food in advance as you drive, via your voice.
The Android Auto versions of the Spotify and YouTube Music apps will get visual overhauls, and the platform is finally getting YouTube video playback support. When parked, you’ll be able to watch YouTube in 1080p at 60 fps and switch to audio-only while driving. This will come in handy when Dolby Atmos support arrives on Android Auto. YouTube is set to be the first of the video apps to arrive on the platform, although others have yet to be announced. Automakers such as BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda, Tata, and Volvo will be the first to support.
And lastly, cars with Google built in, which have more than 100 models from 16 brands, are getting additional features as well. It will bring over Immersive Navigation for Google Maps, a seamless video-to-audio transition, and the Zoom app, coming later this year. The Gemini update is already in the process of rolling out. Thanks to these vehicles offering deep hardware and software integration, you can ask Gemini about the vehicle’s status lights and use its cameras to inquire if items will fit inside your trunk.
