In a significant update for automotive technology, Google has expanded the range of applications available for Android Auto and Android Automotive by introducing a new category dedicated to weather apps. This addition allows users to access real-time weather information that is pertinent to their current location or along their travel routes, enhancing the driving experience with timely updates.
Historically, Google has maintained strict guidelines regarding the types of applications that can be utilized within vehicles, prioritizing safety and usability. Developers are required to categorize their apps into specific groups, which include Media (audio), Messaging, Navigation, Point of Interest (POI), and Internet of Things (IoT). With the recent inclusion of weather apps, the possibilities for developers and users alike have broadened significantly.
Supported App Categories
As of this month, the supported app categories for Android Auto and Android Automotive now encompass:
| Category | Platforms | Publishing Types |
|---|---|---|
| Media – audio | Android Auto and Android Automotive OS | All track types |
| Messaging | Android Auto | All track types |
| Navigation | Android Auto and Android Automotive OS | All track types |
| Point of Interest (POI) | Android Auto and Android Automotive OS | All track types |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | Android Auto and Android Automotive OS | All track types |
| Weather | Android Auto and Android Automotive OS | Internal Testing tracks, Closed Testing tracks, and Open Testing tracks |
For parked vehicles, additional categories such as Video, Games, and Browsers are available exclusively on Android Automotive OS. These features are designed to enhance user engagement while the vehicle is stationary.
Google’s recent announcements at the I/O conference hinted at a broader integration of messaging and VoIP applications, alongside the anticipated expansion of video and gaming capabilities. The introduction of the Weather category marks a pivotal moment for developers, who are now encouraged to utilize the Android for Cars App Library to create compliant weather applications.
These weather apps are expected to not only provide essential weather updates but also offer navigation functionalities, guiding users from point A to point B while keeping them informed about changing weather conditions. However, it is important to note that the Weather category is currently in beta, limiting its distribution to specific testing tracks until a wider rollout is planned.
Among the early adopters of this new category are two notable applications: “Weather & Radar,” which has been available since early last year, and “MyRadar Weather Radar,” launched earlier this year. While these options are currently accessible, users eager for more variety will need to await further developments in the Weather app landscape.
