After a long hiatus, Google for many users of the infotainment platform android auto And Android Automotive Announced major innovations that will be rolled out over the next few weeks. In addition to an entirely new design, including an optimized interface for Android Auto, users of the operating system can look forward to two significant new app categories.
Android Auto and Android Automotive are two different sister platforms. Although they are positioned at the same location and offer similar range of functions, they are completely different approaches and accordingly have their own development path and pace. So it happens that the innovations on both the platforms are also completely different and are not available on the other side.
Android Auto is primarily about connecting the smartphone to the existing infotainment operating system and using the apps and data in the vehicle. On the other hand, Android Automotive is an independent platform that can be used even without a smartphone. Mobile devices can be integrated, but the operating system receives functions and updates for Android Automotive.
Let’s look at the batch of updates that were announced in the last few days with different waiting times for all the users. The biggest crowds can be reached with the new CoolWalk design, which was spotted months ago and should eventually reach all users.
coolwalk surface
The new CoolWalk interface is the biggest update to Android Auto in the past two years, and it’s much more than just a new design. It brings to light for the first time those multitasking capabilities that have been lost or at least barely visible. It will be possible to use navigation, music, notifications and more in parallel and without switching to one display. You can see the new interface in the screenshot above.
The display is divided into two large areas, the smaller one is again divided horizontally. This results in three fields that can be used. Navigation in the main window can be seen in all sample images, as it is of course to accommodate most of the information on the surface as well. Everything else is more in the area of mini apps or widgets, but totally usable nonetheless.
The new interface will be rolled out to all users and will be used regardless of the available display size. If necessary, the display can be split into a different configuration (larger area above and two smaller ones below). You will find many screenshots and information in this article,
support for large displays
It also brings you support for all display sizes with the CoolWalk Surface. Everything from supported small displays to displays that have grown in width and height should be supported and used anyway. The coolwalk surface opens the door to this cosmic sweeping support, so there will be no more visible fringes.
Android Automotive with video and browser support
Not only with Android Auto, but also with Android Automotive, which currently only a few users can use. Since the most important core areas of the infotainment sector have long been covered and currently do not require any further development of the operating system, its scope is now being expanded. It includes support for video and even a browser for surfing the web.
Neither is available yet, but is on the way and has already been announced by Google. YouTube and other video platforms should be usable on Android Auto and the browser opens the way not only to surfing, but of course to countless web apps as well – which makes the topic of progressive web apps very interesting again. All information about Android Automotive Extensions can be found in the following articles.
, Android Auto: Can web apps be used in the car? Google announces browser for Android Automotive
, Android: Google puts security first – the new label ‘Protected by Android’ is here (VIDEO)
, Android TV: More freedom for more devices? Google Partners Can Now Use Competing Platforms Too
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