Sega has launched Sonic Rumble, a battle royale mobile game for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, for iOS, Android, Google Play, and PC via Steam after several delays.
Android Auto users have noted enhancements to Google Maps, including the introduction of a "Report" button for reporting incidents like crashes and traffic congestion from the dashboard. The Guidance Audio button has been moved to the app's settings to streamline the interface. The "suggested destinations" menu now remains compact until tapped, improving user control. However, mini-games previously available on Android Auto have disappeared, with Google shifting focus to larger games like Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds. Future plans include integrating AI technology through the Gemini initiative for a more intuitive in-car assistant.
Google is phasing out its collection of HTML5 mini-games, known as GameSnacks, from Android Auto, with many users reporting their disappearance in both beta and stable versions. This change indicates a planned retirement rather than a temporary issue. In place of these mini-games, Google is introducing more robust Android titles such as Candy Crush and Beach Buggy Racing. The transition aligns with Android Auto's support for fully-fledged Android games, which promise a smoother gaming experience and can be played in full-screen mode when the vehicle is parked.
GameSnacks, a Google-made app with simple games optimized for in-car displays, is seemingly being deprecated in the Android Auto beta release track, indicating it may be shut down soon.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro models come with a secondary display on the camera island that can turn into a Game Boy-esque console with the Retro Handheld Console Case.
Android Auto allows users to manage messaging, music, and various functions through their vehicle's touchscreen, enhancing safety and the driving experience. It is compatible with over 500 vehicle models and can be set up by connecting a smartphone via USB or Bluetooth. Essential apps for Android Auto include:
- Google Maps: Offers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, lane guidance, speed limit notifications, and automatic rerouting, with over 10 billion downloads.
- GasBuddy: Helps users find the lowest gas prices nearby and allows contributions from users for price updates, also showing stations with amenities like restrooms and car washes.
- Spotify: Provides access to millions of songs and podcasts, integrating smoothly with Android Auto, with over 1 billion downloads. A premium subscription offers ad-free listening and offline access.
- Angry Birds 2: A game available for use when the vehicle is parked, providing entertainment during waits, and is free to download.
- MyRadar: Delivers real-time weather data, animated maps, and alerts for severe weather, helping drivers stay informed about conditions along their route.
Minecraft has launched a Superman DLC in collaboration with DC Studios and Oreville Studios, available globally for 1,510 Minecoins. The DLC features eleven Superman-themed skins and allows players to use Superman's powers, including super strength, heat vision, and freezing breath, while protecting Metropolis. The Fortress of Solitude serves as a mission hub, and players can explore locations like Metropolis and LuthorCorp, encountering Lex Luthor's schemes. Oreville Studios, known for previous Minecraft DLCs, developed this content, which coincides with renewed global interest in Superman following a successful film. The DLC is available on all platforms that support Minecraft through the Minecraft Marketplace.
Emma Myers began her acting career in 2010 on "The Glades," where she played the daughter of a NASA mission specialist by simply smiling for the camera in family photos. She gained prominence as Enid in Netflix's "Wednesday," which debuted three years ago, and has since taken on various roles, including the lead in "A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder" and as Natalie in "A Minecraft Movie." Myers has a role in the upcoming animated feature "Angry Birds 3," set for release in 2027.
In the second season of "Wednesday," Enid is involved in a love triangle and faces a new rival, Agnes. Myers has experienced personal growth and gained confidence over the past three years. She has input in Enid's wardrobe and character design, including a new haircut for Season 2. Myers finds the balance of Enid's werewolf transformations important and has received praise for her British accent in "A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder." She recently won a Kids' Choice Award for her performance in "A Minecraft Movie."
Google introduced major updates to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS at Google I/O 2025, signaling a push into the connected car space. Gemini AI is making its in-car debut, offering natural voice controls and contextual awareness. Navigation apps can integrate Gemini for voice-driven navigation and search. App categories are expanding across platforms, with weather apps out of beta, games entering beta, and video apps on the roadmap. Google is providing new tools and templates for developers to streamline car app development. The roadmap includes features like audio-only playback for video apps while driving and Quick Share between phone and car. The Android-powered car is becoming a standard, inviting developers to build innovative experiences beyond navigation and playlists.
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.
