driving experience Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Latest Android Auto update could turn your car’s cameras into a free dash cam

Google has launched a free dash cam application for Android Auto that utilizes existing in-built vehicle cameras to capture journeys without additional hardware. Car manufacturers must customize the app for their specific vehicle models. Key features include using external storage for video recordings, automatic activation based on triggers like speed limits, and customization options for notifications and file storage durations. The app will only work in vehicles with cameras and will not replace traditional dash cams. Its availability will depend on updates from vehicle manufacturers.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Driving just isn’t the same without these 6 underrated Android Auto apps

Android Auto allows users to connect their Android smartphones for access to music, information, and navigation tools while driving. Several lesser-known apps can enhance the driving experience: - Musicolet: An offline music player that supports podcasts and audiobooks, featuring a clean interface and customization options. - Weather & Radar: Provides real-time weather updates, including live radar data for rain, wind, and temperature. - OsmAnd: A navigation app using OpenStreetMap data, offering detailed information for rural areas and customizable map styles. - RadioTime: Accesses a wide range of global radio stations, with an easy-to-use interface for Android Auto. - Fuelio: Helps locate fuel stations with real-time pricing and tracks refueling history, vehicle mileage, and expenses. - Podcast Republic: A podcast app that allows easy browsing of downloaded content and discovering new podcasts.

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

March 22, 2025

Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

Google has retired several applications that were popular among users, including: - Google Now: Launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2015, it provided contextually relevant information through scrollable cards. It was replaced by features like the Discover feed and Google Assistant. - Inbox by Google: Introduced as an alternative to Gmail, it grouped similar emails and helped users manage their inboxes. It was retired in 2019, with some features integrated into Gmail. - Google Trips: Launched in 2016 as a travel companion app that integrated travel information from Gmail and Google Maps. It was discontinued in 2019. - Android Auto on Smartphones: Debuted in 2016, allowing smartphones to serve as navigation hubs in cars without built-in systems. It was discontinued in 2022 in favor of dedicated vehicle screens. - Trusted Contacts: Launched in 2016 to share real-time location with family and friends for safety. It was integrated into Google Maps but is missed for its simplicity. - Google Reader: A popular RSS feed aggregator that was shut down in 2013, known for its user-friendly interface and offline functionality. Its absence is still felt by users.

BetaBeacon

March 11, 2025

Upcoming Mobile Games for Android and iOS in March 2025

- Upcoming mobile games for Android and iOS in March 2025 include Draconia Saga, Songs of Conquest Mobile, DC: Dark Legion, DARKEST DAYS, Racing Master SEA, and Steel Paws Netflix.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

I hate to say it, but it’s time for Google to merge Waze into Maps

The author grapples with the decision of whether to use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, noting that Google Maps is their default choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive points of interest. However, they find that Waze often provides better real-time traffic updates and alerts about hazards. There is speculation about a potential merger between Waze and Google Maps, which could create a more effective navigation tool, but concerns exist about alienating Waze's user community. The author appreciates Waze's real-time capabilities and community contributions but finds its interface cluttered and distracting. They express a desire for Google to incorporate Waze's features into Google Maps while acknowledging that a merger may not happen immediately. Google has owned Waze for over a decade, and it continues to operate as a separate entity.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Android Automotive is Getting “Dozens” of New Apps and Games

Google is enhancing its Android Automotive platform with a significant app upgrade, introducing "dozens" of new applications designed for vehicles equipped with Google built-in. This initiative follows the car-ready mobile apps program launched last year. Users can explore car-compatible apps via a link to the Google Play Store. Highlighted applications include F1 TV, Farm Heroes Saga, Chess Online, and Kids Puzzles. The initial rollout will be available on select Polestar and Volvo models, with plans for expansion to additional makes and models in the future.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Google Maps tests new weather-related incident reports on app & Android Auto

Google Maps has enhanced its incident reporting feature by expanding the types of incidents users can report, now visible to select users on mobile and Android Auto. The new reporting options include flooded roads, low visibility, and unplowed roads, appearing after the "Stalled vehicle" option. The "Police" report has been moved out of the main view. This update follows a previous enhancement in November that simplified the reporting of speed traps.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Android Auto users report issues with TomTom GO, but devs say a fix is coming

Drivers using the TomTom GO app on Android Auto have reported technical difficulties, including error messages and display malfunctions, particularly after a recent update. In February, users expressed dissatisfaction with the app's performance, with one user noting it failed to display in their car. TomTom previously introduced a "truck plan" for larger vehicles, offering tailored navigation considering size and weight restrictions. Last December, Android Auto users experienced audio stuttering and error notifications, leading to advice to use version 13.3 until issues were resolved. In early 2023, Google improved the Android Auto experience by integrating it into the Polestar 2, adding features like HD Radio and enhanced phone connectivity.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Android Auto temporarily loses TomTom Go navigation app, fix coming ‘soon’

Users of the TomTom Go app are experiencing issues with its compatibility with Android Auto, making in-car navigation difficult. The company has acknowledged the problem and is working on a solution. Complaints include the app not appearing on the Android Auto interface and repeated requests for location permissions despite them being granted. The TomTom Go app offers features like real-time traffic updates and an ad-free experience through a subscription model.