in-car entertainment Archives

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.

BetaBeacon

March 29, 2025

Full mobile games now supported in Android Auto

Google is testing a new feature in Android Auto version 14.1 that allows users to play full mobile games on their car's display.

AppWizard

August 22, 2024

Mercedes-Benz vehicles will soon stream PC games from the cloud

Mercedes-Benz has launched an in-car gaming initiative in partnership with Boosteroid, offering over 1,000 PC games within its vehicles. This feature is available through the MBUX Entertainment Package Plus for cars equipped with the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The Boosteroid app will allow access to popular gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games. Users must subscribe to both Boosteroid and the MBUX package to utilize this feature, which is expected to be available in cars sold in Europe, North America, and South America by 2025. The gaming experience will only be accessible when the vehicle is parked, and users need to provide their own Bluetooth gaming controller or compatible smartphone.

AppWizard

August 21, 2024

PC games are coming to Mercedes-Benz vehicles, thanks to Boosteroid

Boosteroid is a cloud gaming platform that has partnered with Microsoft to allow users to access PC games from Steam and the Epic Games Store. This partnership provides Boosteroid members with titles from the Microsoft Store and Game Pass, including games like Deathloop and Gears 5, featuring cross-play and cross-save functionalities. Additionally, Boosteroid has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to integrate its app into the MBUX Entertainment Package Plus, allowing in-car access to over 1,000 games, including Fortnite and Sea of Thieves, starting in 2025. The gaming feature will only be available while the vehicle is parked, and users must connect a Bluetooth gaming controller or mobile phone.