auto ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

4 Android Auto Apps Every EV Owner Needs To Install

Android Auto provides a range of applications designed to enhance the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Key apps include: - A Better Routeplanner (ABRP): A navigation app specifically for EV owners that helps plan road trips by generating trip plans with charging stops, estimated charging times, and projected battery levels. It supports over 1,000 EV models and offers a free version with basic features and a premium version with additional functionalities. - Waze: A versatile navigation app that offers real-time traffic updates, estimated arrival times, and turn-by-turn directions. It can display charging stations along routes and is useful for both long and short trips. - PlugShare: An app that provides a detailed overview of charging stations, allowing users to search for locations compatible with their specific EV. It includes community-driven features for reviews and connections among EV owners. - Electrify America: An app for users of the Electrify America charging network that integrates with Android Auto, enabling drivers to find charging stations and access details directly from their vehicle's display. These apps address common challenges faced by EV owners, such as locating charging stations and planning routes effectively.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Android Auto just became much more useful for motorcycle riders with this app update

Sygic has launched its Motorbike Mode, now integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing a dedicated navigation experience for motorcyclists. This mode allows riders to explore twisty roads, offers real-time elevation changes, monitors lean angles, and provides weather updates, along with offline maps. The integration enhances usability with larger maps on motorcycle displays, high-visibility alerts for hazards, speed limits, and weather changes, and allows navigation controls through the motorcycle's native buttons. Voice guidance is available through Bluetooth helmet systems. The update, version 26.4, responds to user feedback for a motorcycle dashboard experience. It is compatible with select models from manufacturers like Honda, Harley-Davidson, and Indian, while some premium features are exclusive to Sygic’s Premium+ subscription.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

This useful sideloaded Android Auto app lets me watch YouTube, browse the web, and more

The exploration of sideloaded Android Auto applications has revealed features not available in Google's official offerings, with Fermata Auto being a notable all-in-one solution that combines local playback, YouTube access, web browsing, and screen mirroring. To use Fermata Auto, one must first install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) and enable Developer Mode on their Android device. After installing AAAD, users can search for and download Fermata Auto. Upon installation, various components related to Fermata Auto may appear in the Android Auto launcher. Users may need to grant permissions for optimal functionality, and while the on-screen keyboard may lag, the app includes a bookmark feature for quick access to websites. Fermata Auto has been found to provide a reliable and efficient experience for in-car YouTube and web browsing, particularly when parked.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Android Auto has a PDF app now, but it might be more useful than you think

Adobe has introduced Adobe Acrobat to the Android Auto platform in its latest app update (v26.5.0.45958), allowing users to access PDF files from their car's display. The app features a "Read Aloud" function that converts text from PDFs into audio, enabling users to listen to content while driving. However, the Read Aloud feature does not support every PDF file, and when it works, it provides a typical Android Auto media player experience.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Android Auto Just Got A New Feature That Will Make Media Switching Way Easier

Google is rolling out an update for Android Auto that introduces swipeable media cards, allowing users to navigate between media and streaming applications more easily. This feature, currently in beta, enables users to manage media controls on the dashboard without losing access to the controls of previously used apps. Users can swipe between media cards, which display essential information such as media controls and metadata about the currently playing content. There is no official timeline for the public rollout of this feature, and Google is also enhancing Android Auto with updates, including a more active role for its AI agent, Gemini.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Big changes are coming to Android Auto — these are the music apps in line for a major redesign

Google has announced design enhancements for music applications in Android Auto as part of the Android Auto 17.0 beta, revealed at the I/O 2026 developer event. The update will benefit apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, and TuneIn. The Car App Library updates provide developers with more flexibility in app interface design, allowing for user-friendly experiences that reduce distractions. New features include an adaptive mini-player for media apps and additional component types like Chip and CondensedItem. Developers are encouraged to join the early-access beta program to utilize the new Car Library App templates.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Android Auto bug is making the signal icon vanish for some users

A glitch in the Android Auto ecosystem has caused the cellular signal icon to disappear from car displays, though users can still make calls, access data, and navigate without issues. This bug may be linked to Android Auto version 16.5, and some users have resolved the issue by downgrading to a previous version.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android Auto update brings movies, web browsing to your car

Google has expanded Android Auto by fully integrating weather applications, allowing developers to create and publish weather apps without additional approvals, provided they follow Google's quality guidelines. This change follows a revision to Google's developer guidelines in December 2024, which addressed the inclusion of weather apps in automotive environments. Users can expect a wider range of weather-related features in Android Auto.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Android Auto seems to be preparing support for more calling apps

Android Auto is set to introduce support for third-party calling applications with the upcoming Android Auto 13.0 update. This update includes significant behind-the-scenes enhancements, such as a new "Car Media" feature for accessing local media sources and several new flags indicating potential integration of external dialer support. A "Calling" category for Android Automotive exists but is not fully implemented in Android Auto, with WhatsApp mentioned as a potential candidate for calls, although its functionality is currently limited to specific devices like Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Google Blocks Android Auto App and the Company Is in Big Trouble Now

Google is enhancing the Android Auto app landscape while maintaining a curated selection of applications. In 2021, the JuicePass app by Enel was denied launch on Android Auto for not adhering to mandatory templates. Enel escalated the issue to Italian authorities, resulting in a 102 million Euro fine imposed on Google for market power abuse. Google appealed, and the case is now in the European Court of Justice, which is examining potential competition law violations. Google claims JuicePass did not meet security protocols and is working with Enel to address these issues. Google plans to expand the Android Auto ecosystem by introducing new app categories, including video applications, web browsers, and games, with a beta program for developers. YouTube will soon be accessible in vehicles, but users can only engage with it while parked, as the system will lock the screen during driving.