Android Auto

AppWizard
September 11, 2026
In recent months, the wavy progress bar feature in music applications on Android Auto, which replaced the traditional straight line, has disappeared for some users, particularly affecting Spotify. This feature was introduced to enhance the user interface but did not provide significant functional benefits. Users have reported that the wavy design reverts to a straight line when the app is in full-screen mode, while it appears on the Coolwalk screen. Additionally, Google Maps has stopped displaying a speedometer, which users find frustrating. There are calls for Google to implement a toggle feature for the progress bar design preference. The latest version of Android Auto, build 17.6, is currently available, with updates expected soon.
AppWizard
September 9, 2026
Google Maps is working on improving its functionality on Android Auto, particularly with the return of the speedometer feature, which has been inconsistently available to users. Some users have successfully accessed the speedometer, while others have not, leading to discussions about its availability on platforms like Reddit. The speedometer was initially rolled out in July, but many users have reported it disappearing. Interestingly, some non-beta users have seen the speedometer, while beta users have had mixed experiences. In a recent test in the UK, the speedometer and speed limits were visible to a user not enrolled in the Google Maps beta but using the Android Auto beta. Additionally, some users have noted a decline in traffic information visibility, prompting suggestions to use alternatives like Waze, although issues with interface clutter have been reported. Most vehicles still have a driver display or heads-up display for speed, which may be less distracting than using the app. In-app speedometers can lag behind actual speed due to reliance on satellite data. The inclusion of speed limits in Google Maps is seen as a significant enhancement, especially for older vehicles that may not have this feature. Users hope for more stability and reliability in these features to improve the driving experience.
AppWizard
September 9, 2026
Android Auto users are experiencing issues with Google Maps, particularly the disappearance of the speedometer feature after its recent integration. Some users report that the speedometer vanishes when navigation is disabled, while others find it completely absent. Additionally, critical navigation data, such as traffic light indicators, may also be missing. A persistent bug affecting traffic colors in Google Maps further complicates navigation. Users have shared varying experiences, with some finding that exiting beta versions of the apps resolves the issue. Google has not yet addressed these concerns, and an upcoming update for Google Maps is expected to enhance navigation features, including detailed maps and improved turn-by-turn instructions. The update is currently rolling out in the U.S. and Canada, with no timeline for other regions.
AppWizard
September 8, 2026
Users of Android Auto are experiencing issues with Google Maps, as the live speedometer and speed limit indicator have disappeared, along with critical traffic signals like stop signs and traffic lights. Waze users are facing similar bugs that obscure journey information. The cause of these disruptions is currently unclear, and Google has not yet commented on the situation.
AppWizard
September 8, 2026
A navigation bug in Waze affects Android Auto users when switching to full-screen mode, causing essential journey information such as estimated time of arrival, arrival time, next navigation instruction, and remaining distance to disappear. The information temporarily reappears with alerts but vanishes again after the alert is dismissed. The cause of the glitch is uncertain, possibly related to a recent update to Android Auto or Waze.
AppWizard
September 8, 2026
A recent update to Android Auto, version 17.5, has caused a glitch in the Waze navigation app, preventing users from seeing essential trip information such as estimated time of arrival (ETA), distance to destination, and remaining travel time when Waze is displayed in full-screen mode. The information is visible when Waze is shown in the Coolwalk screen alongside other applications. Some users have noted that the journey information briefly reappears during Waze alerts but disappears after the alert is dismissed. There is currently no identified workaround, but users are considering reverting to a previous version of Android Auto or Waze to resolve the issue. Google has not officially acknowledged the glitch, but a Community Specialist has requested additional information from users to assist in diagnosing the problem. Meanwhile, Google Maps remains a reliable alternative for navigation.
AppWizard
September 7, 2026
Waze, owned by Google since 2013, is a navigation app focused on driving, offering a streamlined interface that prioritizes route efficiency. It excels in suggesting optimal routes using real-time data from users, including reports on road closures and accidents. Waze provides real-time insights about traffic conditions, speed cameras, and police sightings, fostering a community through user-submitted reports. The app features a simple, user-friendly interface that adapts to lighting conditions and is designed for driving. Waze includes car-specific features, such as locating gas stations based on fuel type and sorting them by price, as well as helping electric vehicle owners find charging stations. Users can customize their experience with themes, custom voices, and alerts, enhancing engagement and enjoyment.
AppWizard
September 7, 2026
The sudden disappearance of apps from the Android Auto launcher can be resolved by launching the app on your phone and reconnecting to Android Auto. This issue is often due to features in the Android operating system, such as Samsung's automatic disabling of unused apps to conserve battery life. To prevent apps from disappearing, users can disable the "Auto disable unused apps" setting in their phone's battery settings. Users can also customize the apps displayed in Android Auto by navigating to Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto > Customize launcher. Not all applications are compatible with Android Auto; only those designed for the platform will appear. While there is no dedicated "hide app" function, users can manage app visibility through customization options.
AppWizard
September 7, 2026
The developer of Xtream Player has released an update (v1.6.0) that includes several new features: a Winamp-inspired visualizer with nine styles available to all users, the ability to send videos from a smartphone to a car (currently experimental), automatic playback resumption after phone calls, and hidden in-page controls for a cleaner interface. Premium users receive additional benefits, such as the app remembering the last visualization used and support for official MilkDrop and libprojectM visualizers. Xtream Player v1.6.0 can be downloaded from GitHub or the Fermata Xtream website.
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