Android Auto provides a range of applications designed to enhance the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Key apps include:
- A Better Routeplanner (ABRP): A navigation app specifically for EV owners that helps plan road trips by generating trip plans with charging stops, estimated charging times, and projected battery levels. It supports over 1,000 EV models and offers a free version with basic features and a premium version with additional functionalities.
- Waze: A versatile navigation app that offers real-time traffic updates, estimated arrival times, and turn-by-turn directions. It can display charging stations along routes and is useful for both long and short trips.
- PlugShare: An app that provides a detailed overview of charging stations, allowing users to search for locations compatible with their specific EV. It includes community-driven features for reviews and connections among EV owners.
- Electrify America: An app for users of the Electrify America charging network that integrates with Android Auto, enabling drivers to find charging stations and access details directly from their vehicle's display.
These apps address common challenges faced by EV owners, such as locating charging stations and planning routes effectively.
Android Auto, enhanced by Gemini, allows users to navigate to restaurants, make calls, and play music. It integrates with applications like Google Maps for real-time navigation and supports voice commands for hands-free operation. The platform is compatible with third-party apps such as Spotify and Waze, and offers specialized apps for electric vehicles. However, users have reported issues with the Gemini voice assistant, including misunderstandings and system shutdowns. Google Maps can automatically display the last-used navigation app, which may not be preferred, and navigation apps can consume data unnecessarily. Message notifications can distract drivers, but users can disable them for better focus.
Audio ducking is a feature in Android Auto that temporarily lowers the volume of the primary app to allow important notifications to be heard clearly. This feature has been part of Android since version 8.0 and is triggered by notifications and navigation prompts. Audio ducking can vary in duration and intensity between different applications. Users can disable notifications for specific apps to prevent audio ducking, but this may result in missing alerts. Additionally, Android 14 introduced hearing safety features that monitor audio levels and lower the volume if prolonged exposure to loud sounds is detected. Users can activate do not disturb mode to silence message notifications, but this won't affect navigation alerts. Audio behavior can also be influenced by settings within the car's audio system. Restarting the device, re-pairing it with the car, or switching cables can resolve connectivity issues.
Feral Interactive has announced that Saints Row The Third Remastered will be released on iOS and Android devices. The mobile version will include all graphical upgrades from the console remaster, custom touch controls, and support for gamepads and desktop peripherals. The game will also feature expansion content with 14 bonus story missions and over 30 unlockable items. Pre-orders are available on the iOS App Store and pre-registration is open on Google Play. The game is priced at .99 in the United States, £12.99 in the United Kingdom, and €15.99 across Europe.
Google is refining Google Maps for Android Auto with a new user interface designed to enhance the driving experience. The update includes two modes: a light visual mode and a dark theme, both featuring a streamlined design that minimizes distractions. The UI eliminates unnecessary visual elements and replaces the traditional white background with dark gray for better comfort. In dark mode, the background is fully black, maintaining a consistent theme for indicators and panels. Additionally, a significant overhaul of Google Maps is underway, introducing 3D navigation, enhanced turn-by-turn directions, and more detailed maps, with the rollout already in the U.S. and Canada. These updates will be available on Android phones and Android Auto.
Feral Interactive is bringing Saints Row: The Third Remastered to iOS and Android on October 29, 2026, priced at .99. The game includes all DLC, offering players 14 additional missions, over 30 extra weapons, vehicles, and costumes. It has been redesigned for touch controls and also supports gamepads, keyboards, and mice for a seamless gaming experience.
Google is releasing a significant update to Android Auto, version 17.6, which includes a new green icon with rounded corners. The update is being rolled out gradually, but users can manually download it from the Google Play Store. New features include quick toggles for settings, with a Do Not Disturb (DND) toggle currently being tested. Additional enhancements will include widget support, allowing apps to display widgets on Android Auto, and support for video applications like YouTube, which will enable users to watch videos while stationary and use an audio-only mode while driving. A Premium subscription will be required for background audio playback on YouTube. The rollout of these features is expected later this year.
Google has introduced a new feature called Motion Assist for devices running on Android 17, which is designed to enhance user experience while in motion. Users can access Motion Assist through the Settings app or by searching for it. The feature includes a preference menu to automatically start when in a moving vehicle and can be activated via a Quick Settings Tile. It offers customization options for color, shape, opacity, and randomization of dynamic shapes that adapt to the device's motion, potentially reducing motion sickness. Motion Assist is currently in early rollout, associated with version 26.33.32 of Google Play services, and is only available on select devices.
The Android Auto app icon has been visually refreshed, changing from a soft blue to a deeper green shade and featuring smoothed edges. This update is part of the upcoming Material 3 update, although Google has not officially announced it. Users may already see the updated icon with the latest app version. Upcoming features for Android Auto include a smoother "paper plane" arrow, widgets for quick access to contacts, weather updates, and garage door controls, as well as support for video applications like YouTube, which will allow Full-HD 60fps playback in stationary vehicles. Additional enhancements include Dolby Atmos support and visual upgrades for music apps. The rollout of these features is expected to begin later this year.
