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Android Auto is changing how games are displayed. Games no longer take up the whole screen when opened. Users no longer have to swipe down to see the back and exit buttons.
Google is unveiling key features ahead of the Google I/O event, including Material 3 Expressive (M3), which focuses on enhancing user experience through color, shape, size, motion, and containment. M3 will introduce a vibrant UI for smartphones and wearables, featuring a new "tear away" notification system and playful animations. The Pixel Watch will have animations that follow the display's curvature, and Wear OS 6 will allow users to customize color schemes and watch faces.
Google's Gemini AI will be integrated into more devices, replacing Google Assistant and enhancing interactions on Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto, and Android XR. Gemini will provide hands-free assistance for Wear OS users and facilitate natural conversations in Android Auto. It will also improve content discovery on Google TV and offer real-time planning assistance in Extended Reality devices.
To combat online scams, Google is introducing privacy tools with Android 16, including enhanced warning systems in caller and Google Messages apps, AI-driven detection of fraudulent messages, and a Key Verifier program for secure end-to-end encrypted communication. Google Play Protection will implement live threat detection for malicious app changes.
- Android 16 has a new look called Material 3 Expressive, with customizable options for color, font, and visual components.
- Live updates feature helps users stay on task by surfacing important updates from apps.
- Gemini AI integration is expanded to be available everywhere on Android 16, with Gemini Live allowing users to share their screen and camera.
- Find Hub is introduced as an app for tracking people, devices, tags, and more, with upcoming satellite connectivity for locating items in remote areas.
Google has started rolling out version 14.2 of Android Auto, focusing on bug fixes and minor adjustments. The update does not mention "Glasses," which had previously led to speculation about smart glasses integration. This speculation arose from a Hindi version of the app that included references to "Glasses" and navigation capabilities, but discrepancies between language versions suggest it may have been a translation error. Additionally, Google has showcased ambitions for smart glasses in a TED 2025 demonstration, featuring a "memory" function that helps users track lost items.
Samsung has launched Samsung Auto, a platform for Galaxy devices in China aimed at enhancing the driving experience with features similar to Android Auto. It is part of the One UI 7 software update and is currently limited to select regions, primarily utilizing Samsung's previous “Car Mode.” The platform includes a custom launcher and app support for in-car use.
A key feature of Samsung Auto is its intelligent location-based navigation, which allows users to reroute by extracting addresses from incoming messages, enabling navigation with a single tap. The app also ensures navigation continuity between the user's phone and vehicle.
Samsung Auto connects to compatible vehicles through Baidu CarLife+ or ICCOA CarLink, which are mainly found in Chinese-market vehicles, limiting its reach. The user interface resembles that of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, featuring a central dashboard for navigation and music controls.
Currently, there are no plans for a global rollout of Samsung Auto, as it relies on Chinese vehicle systems, and significant modifications would be needed for broader implementation.
Google is set to introduce Gemini support to Wear OS smartwatches, replacing the existing Google Assistant. This transition follows Google's plan to fully transition to Gemini, starting with Android phones and expanding to tablets, Android Auto, headphones, Nest speakers, Google TV, and smartwatches. Insights from 9to5Google suggest that Gemini may be a straightforward app enhancement rather than a radical overhaul. The Pixel 9a features a Tensor G4 chip but has limited AI capabilities due to its 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel Watch 3 has 2GB of RAM and older Arm Cortex cores, which may hinder Gemini's performance compared to Assistant. There is potential for improved interaction with applications through Gemini extensions, but true Gemini Live-style conversations on smartwatches may not be feasible without significant battery drain. Future iterations of the Pixel Watch may showcase enhanced Gemini capabilities, especially with a new Wear OS chip expected from Qualcomm, but Google's current focus is on ensuring Gemini operates effectively on existing Android watches.
Google's Android Auto has the potential to enhance the driving experience through the integration of various apps, which are currently limited due to safety concerns. Anticipated additions include:
- Google Tasks: Allows access to to-do lists and checklists directly from the car dashboard, facilitating pre-trip preparations and reminders.
- Google Keep: Provides quick access to stored information like road trip plans and addresses, improving efficiency for passengers.
- Airbnb: Enables reading host messages aloud and accessing check-in procedures and contact information while driving.
- Google Drive: Offers quick access to important documents and reservation confirmations on the Android Auto screen.
- Slack: Could allow users to manage workplace communication and respond to messages safely while on the road.
- Fitbit: May provide insights into health metrics like heart rate during driving, potentially suggesting optimal driving times and rest breaks.
- YouTube: Could allow access to audio content while driving, with video playback available when parked.
These apps could significantly enrich the Android Auto experience, making it safer, more enjoyable, and efficient.
Google Play services v25.13 introduces updates to improve battery life and connectivity across various Android devices, including Android Auto, PCs, phones, TVs, and Wear OS devices. Google Wallet now allows users to add nicknames to their passes. The Android System Intelligence v.23 update includes logging for Adaptive Sound and code optimization for Smart Dictation. The Google Play Store will implement verified badges for select VPN applications to enhance user trust and safety.
Dashcams are important for vehicle owners as they document incidents during accidents. Google has developed a dashcam application for the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), which provides video recording capabilities to enhance safety and security. A recently discovered "Integrate Dashcam" page on Google's website outlines the technical requirements and integration steps for automakers, but the app is not yet available for download. The absence of the app from the market may be due to technical and legal challenges. It is important to note that this dashcam application is not related to Android Auto, and claims suggesting otherwise are misleading. The distinction between Android Auto and Android Automotive has been clarified, with the latter being recognized as AAOS or Google built-in.
Android Auto's latest beta update allows users to play games on their infotainment systems. Users must have a compatible mobile device running on Android 15 or later, verify compatibility with their infotainment system, and be in park to access this feature.
