Android Auto Archives

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Android Auto bugs causing broken Spotify controls, washed out display for some

Recent reports from Android Auto users indicate issues with a washed-out display and problems with the Spotify app. Users have noted a blank widget on the Android Auto dashboard that displays a “Tap to Open” message instead of the currently playing track, while in-car controls like skip buttons are unresponsive. This issue began in July after a Spotify update introducing “Jam” support and is particularly affecting Subaru Forester drivers. Additionally, users report displays appearing washed out, with black areas showing as gray. The cause of these issues is unclear, and users are encouraged to share their experiences.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: SpongeBob, Raiders of the North Sea, more

A 0 price reduction is available on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, and there is a 25% discount on an Android Auto adapter. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 0 discount, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold also has a 0 discount. Prices for budget-friendly options start at 9. The Motorola 2025 Razr Ultra flip phone is offered with a 0 discount.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Android Auto users could soon get a significant upgrade making it easier to use

The code for Android Auto contains support for up to seven app columns, an enhancement that is not yet available to users but suggests potential future improvements to the user interface. Currently, the app tray accommodates up to five columns, which can vary based on the vehicle's screen size. Google has been updating Android Auto while maintaining its existing framework, and the anticipated increase in app columns may cater to the evolving design of in-car displays. Additionally, Google Assistant will transition to the new Gemini system, allowing hands-free app access through voice commands.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Android Auto may soon let you spend less time scrolling, more time driving (APK teardown)

Android Auto users may soon have access to an expanded app drawer that could display up to seven app columns, improving the ease of locating applications while driving. This enhancement has been discovered in the Android Auto app (version 15.0.653204-release) and may depend on the size of the vehicle's display. In practical tests, a layout that previously supported five columns was able to increase to seven by activating hidden settings. The timeline for an official rollout of this feature is uncertain, and while it shows promise, there is no guarantee that these features will be included in a public release.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Google Maps is primarily designed for well-marked, paved roads and does not adequately highlight gravel routes, making it less effective for navigating unpaved paths. In a poll, 55% of users preferred OsmAnd for unpaved road navigation, compared to 20% for Google Maps. OsmAnd offers features like a color-coded system for road types, offline map support for entire regions, and the ability to import KML or GPX files. However, it has challenges such as cumbersome customization options, less detailed information compared to Google Maps, and performance issues on Android Auto.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

This YouTube app alternative just added Android Auto support

NewPipe, an open-source YouTube application for Android, has introduced Android Auto support in version 0.28.0, allowing users to stream audio from their car's display. This feature enables access to playlists, listening history, and control over the player. The development of this feature began in 2022, and NewPipe must be sideloaded as it is not available on the Play Store. Currently, the Android Auto version supports only audio playback, with potential for future video support.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Android Auto: How to Connect Google Maps and Apps in Your Car

- Ensure your vehicle supports Android Auto before connecting. - Use a reliable USB cable for a stable connection. - Keep Google Maps and other relevant apps updated for the latest features. - Familiarize yourself with voice commands for safer navigation and music access. - Customize settings within Android Auto to suit your preferences. - For connectivity issues, disconnect and reconnect your device, restart the vehicle's infotainment system, check for software updates, and consult the user manual for guidance.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Dungeons of Dreadrock 2, Codenames, more

Google Play is offering significant price reductions on both digital offerings and tech hardware. Notable hardware discounts include a price drop on unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra units, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic available at a discount with a Amazon gift card, and a low-priced wireless Android Auto CarlinKit adapter on Amazon. Additionally, there are various app discounts available.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Huge collection of Final Fantasy and Mana series titles, more

This week on Google Play, there are notable Android game and app deals. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is discounted by up to 0, the Android Auto CarlinKit Mini SE Pro adapter is priced at , and the Google Pixel 8 Pro is available at a 0 discount, bundled with a free 0 Pixel Watch. Featured apps include popular titles from the Final Fantasy and Mana series.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

The best Android apps available right now

1Weather is a weather app with a clean interface, customizable widgets, and severe weather alerts, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Bitwarden is a free password manager offering unlimited storage and two-factor authentication, with premium options for enhanced features. ChatGPT is an AI service from OpenAI that allows users to perform various tasks, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Focus Go is a simple gallery app that organizes images into folders and offers a fast search and filter system, available for free. Google Drive provides 15GB of free cloud storage and integrates with Google apps for productivity, with optional in-app purchases. Google Keep is a note-taking app that allows users to create and organize notes across devices, available for free. Google Maps and Waze are leading navigation apps, offering features like offline maps and real-time traffic data, both available for free. Google Gemini is an AI tool for managing tasks and accessing information, available for free. Google Voice offers a second phone number for personal and professional use in the US, available for free with optional purchases. Microsoft SwiftKey is a customizable keyboard app with predictive text features, available for free. Mozilla Firefox is a mobile browser with extensive add-on support, available for free. Nova Launcher is a customizable launcher app for Android, available for free with an optional premium version. Pocket Casts is a podcast management app with a user-friendly interface, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Poweramp is an offline music player with extensive features, available for a free trial and optional premium version. Solid Explorer is a file manager app with a clean design and powerful features, available for a free trial and optional premium version. Tasker and IFTTT are automation tools, with Tasker catering to power users and IFTTT offering a more accessible approach, with prices starting at .49. Textra is an SMS app with customizable themes and multi-device messaging sync, available for free with optional Pro unlock. TickTick is a task management app that combines tasks, reminders, and calendar events, available for free with an optional premium plan. YouTube and YouTube Music are content apps providing vast libraries of video and music, available for free with optional premium subscriptions. Zedge offers wallpapers, ringtones, and notification sounds for device customization, available for free with optional premium content. ExpressVPN is a secure VPN service with fast speeds, 256-bit encryption, and servers in 94 countries, offering unlimited bandwidth.