in-car entertainment Archives

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Android’s March update is all about finding people, apps, and your missing bags

Google's March Pixel Drop introduces several enhancements for Pixel devices, including: - Integration of live location sharing in Google Messages, allowing users to share real-time location within chats. - Introduction of short app preview videos in Google Play for users to quickly assess app functionality before downloading. - Enhanced Find Hub app for recovering lost luggage by generating a secure tracking link for tagged bags, which can be shared with participating airlines. The tracking links expire after seven days and can be stopped at any time. Over ten major airlines, including Ajet, Air India, and Lufthansa Group, support this feature, with Qantas expected to join soon. Google collaborated with SITA and Reunitus to integrate this feature with baggage systems used by many airlines worldwide.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Android Auto may finally let you cast media from your phone

Google is developing Google Cast support for Android Auto, as indicated by code strings in version 15.9 that reference Cast integration. This feature will allow audio and video casting from smartphones to cars. Android Auto is also adopting Material 3 Expressive design, with updated media controls in the latest build. While the casting feature is not yet publicly available, it is expected to enhance in-car entertainment experiences. Additionally, Google is testing video support for Android Auto, and the media player in version 15.9 is transitioning to a new design with a refreshed progress bar and button styles, although these features are not enabled by default.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

5 Essential Android Apps For Long Drives And Road Trips

- Google Maps: Over 10 billion downloads, user rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars from 19.2 million reviews. Provides comprehensive roadmaps, real-time navigation, and recalibrates routes automatically. - Spotify: Over 1 billion downloads, user rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 34 million reviews. Offers a vast library for music and podcasts, with a free version that includes ads and a Premium subscription starting at .99 per month. - Wanderlog: Over 1 million downloads, user rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,000 reviews. Allows users to create and share detailed itineraries, syncing changes automatically among users. - SpotHero: Over 1 million downloads, user rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,000 reviews. Connects users with available parking spots across the U.S., allowing price comparisons and reservations. - Fuelio: Over 5 million downloads, user rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 132,000 reviews. Helps locate nearby gas stations, track fuel prices, log fill-ups, and calculate fuel costs for specific routes.

BetaBeacon

October 26, 2025

Android Auto Games Are Back After Brief Disappearance

GameSnacks disappeared from Android Auto apps, causing concern that it was intentionally removed. However, it was just a temporary visibility issue. To get the games back, update Android Auto to version 15.3 or higher, reconnect to the car, and ensure GameSnacks is enabled in Customize Launcher. This is important for in-car entertainment as it provides approved mini-games for idle time. Google is focusing on car-friendly content that is safe and not distracting.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Google starts quietly rolling out an essential button on Android Auto

Android Auto users have noted enhancements to Google Maps, including the introduction of a "Report" button for reporting incidents like crashes and traffic congestion from the dashboard. The Guidance Audio button has been moved to the app's settings to streamline the interface. The "suggested destinations" menu now remains compact until tapped, improving user control. However, mini-games previously available on Android Auto have disappeared, with Google shifting focus to larger games like Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds. Future plans include integrating AI technology through the Gemini initiative for a more intuitive in-car assistant.

BetaBeacon

October 10, 2025

Google Retiring Mini-Games Feature From Android Auto

Google is quietly phasing out GameSnacks from Android Auto, a collection of simple HTML5 games designed for parked drivers. Users have noticed the feature disappearing from the menu, with some reporting temporary reappearances after reinstalling the app. The removal suggests Google is focusing on simplifying and prioritizing essential features for a cleaner interface.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

My favorite Spotify feature makes other music apps completely useless in the car

Spotify Jam is a collaborative feature that allows multiple users to contribute to a shared listening queue, launched two years ago. Its integration into Android Auto enhances the in-car music experience, allowing users to make real-time adjustments to the queue without distractions. However, joining a Jam can be complicated due to the need to scan a QR code, which can be challenging in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, the Jam session is not automatically recognized by other users' Spotify apps, and users must rejoin the Jam each time the car is turned off. Despite these minor issues, Spotify Jam significantly improves the music experience for passengers in the car.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Waze is dropping support for older Android versions

Waze will stop providing updates for devices running Android 9 Pie or earlier, with the latest beta version requiring a minimum of Android 10 for installation. This change affects users with older tablets and in-car entertainment systems. Existing users can still use core functionalities of the app, but new features will not be available. Google Maps remains an alternative for those unable to upgrade, as it supports all systems beyond Android 8 Oreo.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

This YouTube app alternative just added Android Auto support

NewPipe, an open-source YouTube application for Android, has introduced Android Auto support in version 0.28.0, allowing users to stream audio from their car's display. This feature enables access to playlists, listening history, and control over the player. The development of this feature began in 2022, and NewPipe must be sideloaded as it is not available on the Play Store. Currently, the Android Auto version supports only audio playback, with potential for future video support.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Here’s what CarPlay users are missing – how media and streaming apps could run on Android Auto

Google is enhancing Android Auto by introducing new control options and features, including updates for Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. At the Google I/O 2025 event, Google announced plans to expand the app ecosystem, integrating video content and web browsing capabilities into Android Auto. A new feature, Spotify Jam, will allow collaborative listening sessions, and a video-to-audio feature will enable users to watch content while parked and switch to audio playback while driving. Google is also revisiting the button layout for media controls, which may lead to varying layouts across applications.