Quicker initial phone connection
More EV-friendly and parking data features
Google is giving its Android operating systems some updates this summer, and that’s good news if you connect your phone to your car. Android Auto will see some small changes that could make a big impact on how you use the connectivity feature including new electric vehicle information.
First up, users will be able to configure more parts of the Android Auto experience. The ability to customise the launcher screen from the phone is the first of those, so you won’t have to wait until you’re in the vehicle to get it the way you’d like.
Google said that media apps will have new tabs, A-Z scrolling, and a back-to-top option to make using those apps more user-friendly. If you prefer the dark mode of Android Auto, you’ll be able to select it manually with the new updates and have your phone in dark mode all of the time.
New apps for EV charging and parking will be added. New navigation apps will be available as well, though Google didn’t say which could be expected. EV-friendly features have been sorely lacking in the car compatibility suite so far.
WhatsApp will be added for global users. As well, when using it and other messaging apps like Messages, Google said that reading and sending new messages directly from the apps will be possible and made easier.
Lastly, the first time you set up Android Auto in a new vehicle will be easier. Google said users will be able to get going faster with just a few taps.
