driving experience Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android Auto Quietly Added Support For A Surprisingly Useful New App

Adobe Acrobat Reader has been added to Android Auto with the v26.5.0.45958 update. Subscribers have full access to the app's functionalities, while non-subscribers can use some free features and a 7-day free trial for paid functionalities. Free features include access to scanned PDFs in Liquid Mode, PDF annotation tools, and a PDF signer feature. Visual functions are disabled for safety, but a "Read Aloud" text-to-speech engine is available for free users. Paid subscribers can access high-quality audio options, an AI assistant for file management, and additional editing tools, although advanced features are not yet available on the dashboard.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android Auto has suddenly lost its Facebook Messenger app

Users of Android Auto have reported that Facebook Messenger has disappeared from the platform, with the app icon no longer visible on car displays or the mobile launcher customization screen. This issue is associated with the latest version of Facebook Messenger, v565.0.0.43.88, and has occurred without prior notice. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has not provided an official explanation for this change. While direct access to Messenger is unavailable, Android Auto still supports notifications from the app, though without the usual filtering features.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android Auto Quietly Added Support For A Surprisingly Useful New App

Adobe Acrobat Reader has been integrated into Android Auto with the v26.5.0.45958 update. Full access to its features requires a subscription, but non-subscribers can use limited free features, including accessing scanned PDFs in Liquid Mode, annotating documents, signing PDFs, and connecting to Google Drive. Visual functions are disabled on the car's screen for safety, but a "Read Aloud" text-to-speech engine is available for free users. Paid subscribers can access high-quality voices, Adobe's AI assistant for file management, a complete mobile editing suite, optical character recognition (OCR), and additional tools, although advanced features are currently not accessible through the dashboard.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

3 unofficial Android Auto apps I installed to make my car screen more useful

Android Auto offers a limited selection of applications due to restrictions imposed by Google, but users can enhance its functionality by sideloading unofficial apps from outside the Play Store. Sideloading allows for the installation of additional applications that can significantly improve the driving experience, especially for owners of older vehicles. To sideload apps on Android Auto, users must unlock developer mode on their phone and Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) to access unofficial apps. Three notable sideloaded apps include: 1. CarStream: Allows users to access YouTube on Android Auto, enabling video searches and subscriptions while the vehicle is in motion. 2. AA Browser: Provides a web browsing experience on Android Auto, ideal for accessing websites that may not support the platform natively. 3. Fermata Auto: An all-in-one media toolkit that plays locally stored videos and music, screen mirrors, and allows live TV viewing through IPTV links.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Over the Hill’s Next Fest demo promises a stylized off-roading game for people who actually like to drive

Funselektor's game, Over the Hill, offers a contemplative off-roading experience, differing from its previous titles, Art of Rally and Absolute Drift, which focused on speed and a top-down perspective. The game features a stylized world that emphasizes exploration over speed, allowing players to strategize their routes in a tranquil environment. The demo, available during the Steam Next Fest until June 22, showcases this approach, with an option to accelerate that may lead to unexpected tumbles. A specific release date for the full game has not been announced, but it is anticipated to launch later this year.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Android Auto Got A Useful New Supported App For June 2026

Adobe has released an update (v26.5.0.45958) for Android Auto on June 5, which adds PDF support. This update includes a Read Aloud feature that allows users to listen to audio renditions of their PDFs. Not all PDFs are compatible with this feature, as only certain documents will trigger the Android Media player when selected. Users must ensure that Adobe Acrobat is updated on their Android smartphones to access this capability. Additionally, future enhancements for Android Auto are expected in 2026, including widgets, HD video playback while parked, and improved integration with Google's AI agent, Gemini.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Now There’s Finally a Way to Get Apple CarPlay in Your GM-Built EV

General Motors plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles. In response, EVPlay has introduced the EVPlay LT, a device that allows users to continue using these smartphone integration features in GM-built EVs. The EVPlay LT costs , requires no subscription fees, and offers both wired and wireless connectivity. It is compatible with various GM electric vehicles, including the 2024–2026 Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. The setup involves downloading an app to the vehicle's infotainment system and connecting the device via USB, which takes about two minutes. EVPlay also offers a premium version, the EVPlay Max, priced at 9, which includes additional features like video streaming and gaming. However, EVPlay has noted the risk that GM could disable the software after installation.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Rivian’s Head Of Software Thinks CarPlay And Android Auto Will Be Replaced With AI Agents You Talk To And I Think That’s Stupid

Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, advocates for voice controls as the primary means of interaction in vehicles, envisioning cars as platforms for conversational AI. He describes physical buttons as an “anomaly” and emphasizes a shift towards digitized interfaces, with Rivian currently using touch screens for controls. Rivian avoids integrating features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to maintain control over the user experience, as Bensaid believes screen mirroring solutions take over the car's interface. He envisions voice commands enabling seamless interactions, such as opening the trunk with verbal prompts, although this raises practicality concerns. Bensaid also discusses potential AI integration for calendar and email management in cars, which critics argue may complicate rather than simplify user interactions. The automotive industry faces challenges in balancing innovation with user preferences, especially considering the average car lifespan in America exceeds 12 years, raising questions about the longevity of integrated software solutions.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

4 Surprising Android Auto Apps You Can Actually Use In The Car

Android Auto is evolving to transform vehicles into multifunctional spaces, allowing drivers to stay informed, entertained, and conduct business. It supports a variety of applications from both Google and third-party developers. Zoom Workplace is a video conferencing tool with over one billion downloads, enabling users to manage calls and join meetings through audio-only features while driving. Google News is a news aggregator that provides personalized updates and allows voice navigation through Google Assistant, focusing on concise briefings rather than full articles. GameSnacks offers casual games for users to play on their vehicle's infotainment display while parked, featuring games like chess and solitaire. Discord is a chat platform with over 500 million downloads that allows users to view messages and communicate hands-free while driving, although it lacks access to some advanced features. The selection of these apps highlights the diverse options available on Android Auto that enhance the driving experience beyond navigation and music.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android Auto to get a major design change, widgets, better music apps

At the Google I/O 2026 event, Google introduced an updated version of Android Auto, featuring a new design that adapts to various display sizes and supports widgets. The interface will utilize the Material 3 Expressive design, allowing personalized fonts and wallpapers from Galaxy phones. A floating app row will be positioned based on the steering wheel's location, and the interface will overlay Google Maps for integrated navigation. The updated Android Auto can display air conditioning controls if supported by the vehicle and allows users to place widgets like Clock, Contacts, Google Home, Photos, and Weather on the infotainment screen. It will also support video streaming from platforms like YouTube when parked, with Full HD resolution and up to 60fps. This feature will be available in select vehicles from manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. The music streaming interface will be redesigned with tabs at the top and will support Dolby Atmos in compatible vehicles. Popular music streaming services like Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, Spotify, TuneIn, and YouTube Music will adopt this new design, with functionalities depending on device compatibility.