infotainment system Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Android Auto Just Got a Social Music Upgrade with Spotify Jam

Google is enhancing the Android Auto experience by integrating its Gemini technology and introducing new car app templates for developers. The updated Spotify app will feature "Spotify Jam," allowing passengers to contribute to the car's playlist and control audio output. Users can activate the Jam feature by pressing a button and joining via a QR code. The updated Spotify app is expected to roll out in the coming months, with Amazon Music and YouTube Music also set to adopt the new templates. Video applications will soon support an audio-only mode for listening while driving, and Quick Share will enable content sharing between smartphones and vehicles. Google plans to implement passkeys and credential manager APIs for security enhancements and will enable video and web browser apps on older Android Auto platforms.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Android Auto will get Spotify Jam and support for video apps and web browsers

Google introduced enhancements for Android Auto, including the Gemini assistant and a revamped Spotify app featuring Spotify Jam, which allows users to collaboratively control playlists. Users can join by tapping a "Jam" icon and scanning a QR code. Quick Share integration will enable adding stops to Google Maps routes, and passkey support is forthcoming. A new light mode theme is in development, and web browsers and video apps will soon be available, limited to use when parked. The browser feature is in beta for vehicles with Google built-in, while weather app support has transitioned out of beta.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Android Auto Beta Allows You to Play Games on Cars’ Infotainment Systems, But There’s a Catch

Android Auto's latest beta update allows users to play games on their infotainment systems. Users must have a compatible mobile device running on Android 15 or later, verify compatibility with their infotainment system, and be in park to access this feature.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Your Android Automotive dashboard just got a lot more fun with these new apps

Google has introduced a significant expansion of applications for Android Automotive, enhancing the in-car experience for drivers and passengers in vehicles with Google built-in technology. This rollout includes dozens of new applications that can be accessed while the vehicle is parked, unlike Android Auto, which requires a smartphone connection. Android Automotive operates directly on the car's infotainment system, providing pre-installed access to services like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The new initiative, called the "car-ready mobile apps program," involves reviewing the Google Play Store for applications optimized for larger displays. If deemed safe for use in parked vehicles, these applications will be made available through the Play Store in cars running Android Automotive. Starting this week, drivers of select Volvo and Polestar models can download various new applications, including streaming services and light games. Confirmed car-compatible applications include: - Farm Heroes Saga - F1 TV - Roblox - Paramount Plus - Avatar World - Solitaire Grand Harvest - Plex - Fubo - Philo - 2 3 4 Player Mini Games - FOX Nation - NBC News - BritBox - Lifetime - Chess - FanDuel Sports Network - A&E - Dropout - HISTORY: Shows & Documentaries - sand:box

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Android Auto may finally let users switch to a different dialer app (APK teardown)

Google is working on enhancing Android Auto by potentially introducing support for third-party dialer applications, which are currently limited to Google’s Phone app. In the latest release (version 13.0), new flags indicate forthcoming support for external dialers and suggest an allowlist system for select applications. Google provides guidelines for developers to optimize their apps for Android Auto, with a dedicated category for calling apps currently available only to Beta Partners. This indicates that a limited selection of dialer apps from the Play Store may soon be accessible in vehicles.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

An upcoming Android Auto update is bringing back some classic car features

Android Auto may soon allow users to access local audio files and play radio stations directly through the platform in version 12.8. A recent APK teardown revealed a feature labeled "Car Local Media," enabling playback of personal music collections without relying on streaming services. Additionally, users may no longer need to switch to their car's infotainment system for AM and FM radio access. However, the local media feature may only support audio files stored on Android devices, excluding external USB drives or built-in car storage.

AppWizard

September 3, 2024

Auddia Expands Reach with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration for faidr App – citybuzz

Auddia Inc. has integrated its faidr mobile application with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to access its AI-driven audio platform through their vehicle's infotainment system. Over 90% of new vehicles as of mid-2023 are equipped with these technologies. A study indicates that 25% of electric vehicle buyers and 38% of traditional car buyers consider smartphone mirroring essential for their purchase. When Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are available, AM/FM radio listening accounts for 46% of listening time in vehicles. Auddia plans to pursue direct integrations into vehicle infotainment systems and expand its presence on other platforms like smart speakers and desktop computers. The company is also set to announce an AI-assisted music-only AM/FM offering in the fourth quarter.

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.