Navitel has recently rolled out a significant software update aimed at addressing an aspect ratio issue that has been affecting users of Android Auto. This bug, first highlighted in July on Google’s forums, emerged when a user reported that the aspect ratio on their Navitel head unit was no longer displaying correctly. Initially thought to be confined to the DS810 model, further reports confirmed that several other models were similarly impacted.
While many users initially pointed fingers at Android Auto—an understandable reaction given the app’s history of issues—the root cause was traced back to the software within the Navitel head unit itself. This glitch was not dependent on the phone model; users across various devices, including Samsung and Google phones, experienced the same frustrating aspect ratio distortion.
Attempts to rectify the situation through common troubleshooting methods proved futile. One user shared their experience on the forums, stating, “I have already updated all necessary apps and system software. I also reinstalled Android Auto from scratch with all the latest updates, and the head unit itself is running the newest firmware available. Despite this, the image and text remain stretched horizontally, making them blurry and unreadable (icons are oval instead of round).”
Fortunately, Navitel has acted swiftly in response to this issue. Unlike some companies that take considerable time to issue updates—or fail to do so altogether—Navitel has made a new firmware version available to rectify the aspect ratio problem. However, it is important to note that this update is not distributed over-the-air (OTA), necessitating a manual installation process.
Updating Your Navitel Head Unit
To update your head unit, users will need a microSD card reader to download and extract the firmware files. Once the files are ready, connecting the microSD card to the head unit allows for the firmware update to be initiated from the settings screen. The entire process is relatively quick, taking only a few minutes. However, users are advised to avoid interrupting the update, as doing so could potentially render the head unit inoperable.
After the update is complete, the head unit will automatically restart. Users can then reconnect their Android phones, at which point Android Auto should function correctly once again. It is also recommended to keep the Android Auto app updated on your phone. While this does not directly relate to the aspect ratio bug, the latest version often includes various bug fixes and enhancements that contribute to a smoother overall experience.
The most recent build of Android Auto, version 17.4, is currently available on the Google Play Store. Looking ahead, users can anticipate a new build by the end of the month, with a major update slated for the next quarter, which is expected to introduce exciting features such as widget support and YouTube integration.
