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Bring your Android game to the car screen today
BetaBeacon
September 24, 2026

Bring your Android game to the car screen today

- Implementing car support for your game involves configuring your app manifest and ensuring it respects the vehicle parked state. - To distribute your app in the games category, mark it as a game by adding the android:appCategory="game" attribute. - Cars have a parked state where certain apps, like games, are not allowed to run while the vehicle is in motion to avoid driver distraction. - Declare game controller support by including the android.hardware.gamepad feature in your manifest. - Make your game fully adaptive to different screen sizes and aspect ratios for a great user experience on car displays. - Test your game against car app quality guidelines before publishing it for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS form factors.
Google Makes Android Auto Games Available to Everyone
BetaBeacon
September 24, 2026

Google Makes Android Auto Games Available to Everyone

Google has officially announced that games for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS are now out of beta and available to all users. The games category on Android Auto features popular titles like Beach Buggy Racing and Angry Birds 2. Gaming on Android Auto is only available when the car is parked to ensure safety. Developers must ensure their games are compatible with various car displays and can add controller support. Devices must be running Android 15 or higher to access the Games category on Android Auto.
Android Auto games are no longer in beta as Google opens publishing
BetaBeacon
September 24, 2026

Android Auto games are no longer in beta as Google opens publishing

Android Auto games are now generally available for parked use, allowing developers to publish games through Google Play without limited approval processes. These games are specifically designed for stationary moments in the vehicle and are not playable while driving. Developers must declare game category and car support in the app manifest, and support for one platform does not automatically mean support for the other.
New Google Maps Navigation Update: Traffic Lights and Stop Sign Pop-Ups on Android Auto
AppWizard
September 24, 2026

New Google Maps Navigation Update: Traffic Lights and Stop Sign Pop-Ups on Android Auto

Google Maps is introducing a new feature on Android Auto that displays pop-ups for traffic lights and stop signs at the next turn during navigation, enhancing the driving experience by providing clearer visual cues. This feature is currently being rolled out and is expected to be available to all users soon. Additionally, users have reported issues with the speedometer feature, which disappears when turn-by-turn navigation is not active and inconsistently switches between kilometers per hour and miles per hour. Google has not provided updates on these issues.
Android Auto Becomes a Gaming Platform
BetaBeacon
September 24, 2026

Android Auto Becomes a Gaming Platform

- Game content only runs while the vehicle is parked for safety reasons - Games run directly through the car's infotainment screen without the need for a smartphone - Developers must adapt their interfaces to accommodate various screen sizes and aspect ratios for automotive displays - Progress saving is mandatory for users to resume the game from where they left off
Tesla Optimus Gen 3 design possibly revealed in Android app
AppWizard
September 24, 2026

Tesla Optimus Gen 3 design possibly revealed in Android app

Tesla's next-generation Optimus humanoid robot, referred to as Optimus Gen 3, has been previewed through new 3D design assets found in the Android version of Tesla’s mobile app. These assets, which include renders labeled “gen3” and images comparing Optimus Gen 2.5 and Gen 3, indicate significant design changes. The robot features a cleaner aesthetic with enclosed joints, a unified torso shell, thicker forearms, slimmer wrists, and redesigned legs that resemble integrated boots. The assets began appearing in app builds around August 27, 2026, with higher-resolution versions on September 5. Tesla initially planned to unveil Optimus Gen 3 by the end of Q1 2026, but this timeline was missed. Elon Musk later indicated that the reveal was postponed to mid-year for strategic reasons. Tesla has also started auditing suppliers in China for Gen 3 production, suggesting a potential reveal is approaching.
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