cars Archives

BetaBeacon

May 30, 2025

5 Best Open World Multiplayer Games For Android And iOS In 2025

Grand Criminal Online is a crime-based open-world game with a multiplayer feature that allows players to drive cars, engage in fights, complete missions, and collaborate with others. Players can earn money, upgrade weapons, and customize their gaming experience within the vast city environment.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

Android Auto to gain video playback, games, web browsing

New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Android Auto Just Got a Social Music Upgrade with Spotify Jam

Google is enhancing the Android Auto experience by integrating its Gemini technology and introducing new car app templates for developers. The updated Spotify app will feature "Spotify Jam," allowing passengers to contribute to the car's playlist and control audio output. Users can activate the Jam feature by pressing a button and joining via a QR code. The updated Spotify app is expected to roll out in the coming months, with Amazon Music and YouTube Music also set to adopt the new templates. Video applications will soon support an audio-only mode for listening while driving, and Quick Share will enable content sharing between smartphones and vehicles. Google plans to implement passkeys and credential manager APIs for security enhancements and will enable video and web browser apps on older Android Auto platforms.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Google building audio-only mode for driving ahead of video apps on Android Auto

Google is introducing a feature for Android Automotive that allows users to switch seamlessly between video and audio modes while driving. Currently, video apps on Android Automotive can only be used when the vehicle is parked, but this new functionality will enable audio playback from video apps while the vehicle is in motion. This feature is available through an early access program for vehicles running Android 14 and above, and app developers must integrate it into their applications. Additionally, Google plans to extend video app support to Android Auto, which may include similar audio functionality.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Android Automotive is expanding its app catalog for cars with the largest displays

Google announced its collaboration with OEMs to enhance mobile app compatibility for large screens in Android Automotive, targeting thousands of car-ready applications. The rollout will begin in vehicles with Google built-in and running on Android 14, with the Volvo EX90 being the first model to benefit from this expanded app ecosystem. Additionally, Google introduced a new aspect ratio menu for toggling between default app size and full-screen view, aligning with updates in Android 14 QPR1 for smartphones.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

I tested Gemini’s driving experience at Google I/O

Google is set to launch the Gemini update for Android Auto, enhancing hands-free functionality for drivers. The update will feature different experiences based on vehicle compatibility, with around 250 million cars supporting Android Auto and about 50 models equipped with Google built-in. Gemini allows for voice control independent of an Android smartphone, enabling tasks like adjusting climate settings through natural language commands. Vehicles with Google built-in will have access to the Google Play Store and integrated car manuals. Gemini will also include offline capabilities and streamline trip planning via voice commands. Most features will be available across all vehicles with Android Auto, with a rollout expected in the coming months. The pre-release version showed improved reliability over the previous Google Assistant.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google I/O 2025: Android Auto and Automotive OS Get Smarter

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.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android Auto gets video and browser apps ‘soon,’ more weather apps finally coming

Google is expanding Android Auto by introducing new app categories, including browser apps and video apps, which will be compatible with phones running Android 16 in select vehicles while parked. Additionally, weather apps have graduated from beta status, allowing developers to publish them without extra approval, as long as they meet quality guidelines.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

News Weekly: Android Show’s I/O edition, Google teases smart glasses, Nothing Phone 3 is on the way, and more

Google I/O is set to begin on May 20th at the Shoreline Amphitheater in California, with live updates from Android Central. Google has revealed advancements including Gemini, Material 3 Expressive, and enhanced safety tools. Gemini will integrate across the Android ecosystem for a hands-free AI experience. Material 3 Expressive will enhance the user interface in Android 16, focusing on five design components. Wear OS 6 will receive a visual refresh. New warning systems in Android's caller and Google Messages will combat fraud, while the Find My Device feature will evolve into Find Hub with improved tracking capabilities. Warner Bros. Discovery will rebrand Max back to HBO Max this summer, marking the second rebranding in three years. Nothing's Phone 3 is set to launch this summer, priced around £800. Samsung introduced a limited-edition Galaxy Ring in South Korea, featuring a new colorway.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.