Android Automotive OS Archives

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

Hyundai’s new Android-based infotainment software looks like Tesla’s.

Hyundai Motor Group will launch its Android-based infotainment software, Pleos Connect, in the second quarter of 2026. It is built on Google’s Android Automotive OS and aims to enhance connectivity within vehicles and with urban infrastructure. The software features an intuitive design, cloud integration for real-time updates, customizable user experiences, and enhanced connectivity for various applications and services. An annual conference has been inaugurated to expedite the development of Pleos and the broader “Cloud Mobility” software ecosystem.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

Android Auto 13.7 update now rolling out, hints at new apps

Google has begun rolling out the Android Auto 13.7 update, which introduces subtle enhancements and bug fixes without significant changes in functionality. This is the second update of 2025, and it includes minor adjustments related to the integration of Material You. The app's code suggests potential future features, including "new app" notifications for applications accessible on Android Auto and those usable while parked. Google has a program launching in February 2025 to help developers adapt their apps for car displays, although the current update does not explicitly reference this initiative. The February timeline is specifically for Android Automotive OS, while enhancements for Android Auto are expected later. The rollout occurs in stages, with wider accessibility anticipated throughout the current week.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Android Automotive will be getting lots of new apps, starting next month

Google is launching a car ready mobile apps program next month to expand app availability for vehicles using Android Automotive OS. The program will focus on apps in specific categories, particularly video, gaming, and browsing, while ensuring they meet safety standards and quality guidelines. Apps designed solely for ARM devices will be excluded, but a compatibility mode will allow some non-compliant apps to function safely in vehicles. Eligible applications will be available for download starting February 2025, with potential support for Android Auto in the future. The availability of these apps will depend on vehicle certification by Google, and collaborations with OEMs are expected to increase the number of certified vehicles.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait

Google has introduced a new category for weather apps in Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing users to access real-time weather information based on their location or travel routes. The supported app categories now include Media (audio), Messaging, Navigation, Point of Interest (POI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Weather. For parked vehicles, additional categories like Video, Games, and Browsers are available exclusively on Android Automotive OS. The Weather category is currently in beta, limited to specific testing tracks, and aims to provide weather updates along with navigation functionalities. Early adopters of this category include "Weather & Radar" and "MyRadar Weather Radar."

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Android Automotive could get more apps thanks to this easy-to-use kit [Gallery]

Google's Android Automotive platform is expanding, but the availability of compatible applications has been limited. Snapp Automotive has introduced a developer kit to simplify app creation for this platform. Currently, developers need a Google Pixel Tablet and a specialized emulator to test apps, which can be costly and is restricted to one OS version. Snapp's developer kit allows testing on the Khadas VIM3 Pro board, priced around 0, and supports multiple Android versions (15, 14, 13, 12, and 12.1). The kit enables realistic app testing and can be paired with any HDMI or USB touchscreen display. While not suitable for end-users due to the lack of Google apps, it aims to enhance the development experience and foster a richer application ecosystem for Android Automotive. Snapp is officially launching this developer kit today.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Revealed: Android 15 brings big upgrades to cars running Android Automotive

Android Automotive 15 introduces several enhancements, including the ability to stream audio from the vehicle to Bluetooth headsets, allowing users to select their wireless headphones as audio output devices, though only one active media stream can occur over Bluetooth at a time. An app dock feature enables users to pin favorite applications for quick access, and an ambient view feature allows for unique displays on head unit screens when not in use. The update also includes "Wi-Fi hotspot persistence," which maintains the vehicle's hotspot between driving sessions, and enhances radio support by integrating HD and DAB radio standards.

AppWizard

July 14, 2024

Messaging and VoIP apps will soon land on cars running Android Automotive

Google is introducing a new "Communications" category for cars with Google built-in, allowing messaging and VoIP apps to be used while driving or parked. Messaging apps on Android Auto are currently limited to reading messages aloud and sending voice replies, but may soon show message history. VoIP apps will be new to both Android Auto and Automotive, and their UIs may be heavily constrained for simplicity and consistency. Android Automotive is an open-source operating system used by car makers, which can pose a challenge for app developers seeking a consistent experience across different vehicles.

AppWizard

June 5, 2024

Android Auto’s issues caused by Google Maps beta nabs a quick fix

Google is rolling out a patch for affected Android Auto devices experiencing issues with the Maps beta version 11.132.01.01. Users have reported crashes, problems with voice commands, and charging issues. The patch is being released to address these problems.

AppWizard

May 17, 2024

Yes, Rivian uses Android Automotive OS to build its software experience

Rivian is using Google's Android Automotive as the foundation for its in-car software experience, which will also be implemented in the forthcoming R2 and R3 models.

AppWizard

May 16, 2024

Google announced an update for Android Auto with new apps and casting support

Google has unveiled an update to Android for Cars at Google I/O 2024, which includes new entertainment apps like Max and Peacock for select car models.