- 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
In Android Auto version 17.8.163744 and Google Maps 26.38.0, a new feature called Driving Avatar allows users to customize the vehicle icon displayed on the screen. This feature was introduced in February 2025 and became available in Android Auto by May 2026. Users can access the Google Maps app directly through Android Auto to customize their avatar, which can be done by tapping the settings icon and selecting Driving Avatar. Customization options include various vehicle types and colors, such as a blue arrow, sedan, truck, SUV, sports car, small EV, and legacy icons like a red car, green pickup, and yellow station wagon. Additionally, Google Maps offers practical features like downloading offline maps, sharing trip progress, enabling media playback controls, and tailoring route suggestions.
A new category for games has been introduced on Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing developers to create games specifically for use while parked. This transition from beta to a full category enables a wider variety of games to be available. Google has implemented safety measures, prohibiting game audio while the vehicle is in motion and notifying users if they attempt to launch a game while driving. Developers are encouraged to support external controllers and save game progress, while also ensuring games are fully adaptive to various infotainment screens. A minimum of Android 15 is required to access these features. The launch of video applications like YouTube is anticipated but remains uncertain, with potential availability pushed to 2027.
Gemini integration in Android Auto enhances hands-free functionality, allowing drivers to use natural voice commands for navigation, music, and phone features without touching their devices. Users can activate voice commands by saying "Hey Google" or using a dedicated steering wheel button, depending on the vehicle model. Navigation can be managed entirely through voice, enabling users to request routes, add stops, and report issues without screen interaction. Android Auto also supports hands-free control for calls and messages, allowing users to answer and respond without taking their hands off the wheel. Automations can be set up to start Android Auto and media playback automatically when the phone connects to the vehicle, streamlining the driving experience.
Google has launched the beta program for Android Auto version 17.8, which can be manually installed via an APK installer without joining the beta program. The update focuses on subtle enhancements and is expected to precede a significant overhaul, including new features showcased at the I/O developer conference. Anticipated features include support for widgets that provide essential information without opening separate applications, and the integration of video applications like YouTube, allowing video playback on stationary vehicles. Users will need a Premium subscription for YouTube to access this feature. The stable version of Android Auto 17.8 is expected to be available soon through the Google Play Store, with the complete build identified as Android Auto 17.8.1638 beta.
Google is rolling out a fix for the cellular signal icon bug on Android Auto, which has been missing but does not affect the app's performance. The fix is currently available to beta users, with the cellular signal icon reappearing after installing the latest beta build. The rollout is phased, and it is unclear who will receive the fix initially. A broader announcement is expected when Android Auto version 17.8 is ready for production devices. Additionally, Google plans to introduce support for widgets and video apps, with YouTube being one of the first apps to offer this functionality. The update to version 17.8 is anticipated to be approved through the Google Play Store by the end of the week.
To block a number on a Samsung Android phone, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap More, choose Block contact, and confirm. Alternatively, in the Phone app, copy the number, tap More, select Settings, tap Block numbers, add the number, and tap the plus sign. To block a number from the Recents section, navigate to the number, tap Details, More Options, and Block number.
For Pixel phones or stock Android, open the Phone app, tap More, select Call history, choose the call, and tap Block/report spam.
To unblock a number on a Samsung device, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap More options, and select Unblock contact. In the Phone app, tap More, select Settings, tap Block numbers, and tap the (-) next to the number. For Google Pixel and stock Android, open the Phone app, tap More, select Settings, tap Blocked numbers, and tap Clear (x) next to the number.
Calls made during the blocking period will not appear in call logs.
Google has released system updates designated as Google System Updates 26.36 for September 2026, applicable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, Android TV, Google TV, Android Auto-compatible vehicles, and Wear OS gadgets.
- Bug fixes have improved stability in account management services for smartphones.
- Location sharing capabilities have been enhanced in account management for smartphones and Wear devices.
- New features for developers have been introduced to facilitate better integration with Google Maps on smartphones.
- Devices can now be set up regardless of their operating system for a streamlined onboarding process.
- Developers have new features to enhance device connection processes within their applications for smartphones and Wear devices.
- New functionalities for location- and context-based processes have been added for developers on smartphones.
- Bug fixes related to system management and diagnostic services have been addressed across cars, PCs, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices.
- Updates to system management services have improved device updateability for cars, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices.
- The update allows real-time price adjustments in the shopping basket for PC and smartphone users during checkout.
- Smartphone users switching to a new device will receive a notification to re-add their Google Wallet cards for mobile payments.
These updates are distributed through the Play Store and are set to automatically install on Android devices. Users can manually initiate the download through Settings > System > Software Updates > Google Play system update.
