The Android Auto summer update brings third-party messaging apps, EV charging apps, and an easily configurable home screen.
Unlike Apple CarPlay, Android Auto had received some major overhauling since its inception five years ago. However, up until now, Google never took it upon itself to make Android Auto interface more user-friendly and customizable.
But better late than never. Android Auto is slowly evolving to become more user-centric and provide higher ease of use. Google has finally decided to put in the effort that the software deserved for a very long time. This summer, prepare to witness a massive Android Auto update that tweaks its functionality and brings home many small yet meaningful interface changes.
Configuring the Home Screen from Your Smartphone
Namely, the summer update would allow you to configure and reconfigure the app icon order and customize the launch screen interface directly from your smartphone. This comes as a welcome change because arranging and moving things around on the car infotainment screen can be troublesome.
Additionally, with the increasing craze for dark mode, you can now set dark mode permanently. We won’t lie, there is something attractive about the dark mode, but it’s also less distracting. Besides, the dark interface would sit perfectly with the dark-colored dash in most modern vehicles.
Scrolling Made Easier
Furthermore, the Android Auto summer update would be a lifesaver when it comes to scrolling through your long playlists in the media app of your preference or your contact list. Google said that it had added a new A-Z quick vertical scroll bar, allowing you to skip the lengthy catalogs and arrive at the song/contact card of your choice. As a result, you can now just select the first letter of the song or artist and find it quicker.
Google has also added a “back to top” option, allowing you to make your way back to the start quickly. Meanwhile, the introduction of tabs in the media apps makes navigating to find the content a lot easier, especially when you are behind the wheel, focusing on driving.
Android Auto Now Supports Third-Party Messaging Apps
One of the finest refinements comes in the unified messaging experience. Though this feature was around for quite some time in the US, Google now will make it available to all users around the globe. Notably, the Android Auto summer update would integrate all messaging apps, including third-party software like Whatsapp, under one umbrella, allowing you to chat with others under one roof.
You can now access the messaging apps directly from the launcher. Then, you can start composing the message using the “+ New” button in the upper right corner.
Catering to the specific needs of EV owners, the Android Auto summer update also incorporates some new apps relating to EV charging, parking, and navigation. This would allow you to use them in Android Auto instead of your phone screen. ChargePoint and PlugShare were among the first to take advantage of this streamlined framework. However, as of now, we aren’t sure of what other apps would be available.
The last improvement eases the pairing process. Reduced waiting times and fewer taps and swipes would be a boon for first-time users.
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