Google has discreetly released Android Auto 13.4, introducing a significant interface update for users. While 2024 lacked major public updates for Android Auto, Google has been consistently refining the platform. The latest production release, rolled out earlier this month, brings new changes that highlight Google’s ongoing commitment to improving the in-car experience.
Key Highlights of Android Auto 13.4
1. Refreshed Music Player Interface
The new music player interface is the most noticeable change. This update focuses on improving readability, making the display of information, such as album artwork and song details, clearer for users.
Pros:
- Simplified button layout for easier interaction.
- Buttons are spaced further apart, reducing the chance of errors while driving.
Cons:
- Font sizes for song and artist names remain small, making them harder to read for drivers focusing on the road.
- The updated layout may feel like a waste of screen space.
Google’s unified design approach ensures all music player apps on Android Auto adhere to a consistent layout template. This fosters familiarity across different apps, simplifying the driver’s interaction with Android Auto.
2. Material You Integration
Android Auto 13.4 incorporates subtle elements of Google’s Material You design language, such as updated accent colors. These changes are being gradually enabled via server-side updates.
3. Car Media: A Glimpse of the Future
Google is developing a new media platform called Car Media, which aims to consolidate all media sources into Android Auto.
- Features in Development:
- Support for AM/FM radio stations.
- Playback of media stored on external drives.
Currently, users must exit Android Auto to access these options through the car’s native infotainment system. With Car Media, Google seeks to provide a seamless, unified experience. Although the feature is still in the works, it could roll out in 2025, possibly starting in January, given Google's past release patterns.
Broader Vision: Expanding App Categories
Google announced at this year’s I/O developer conference plans to expand Android Auto’s capabilities with support for:
- Video streaming apps
- Web browsers
- Games
These features, already available on Android Automotive (the embedded OS version), could soon make their way to Android Auto. Notably, YouTube is already accessible through third-party tweaks, hinting at the technical feasibility of these updates.
What's Next for Android Auto?
As 2024 comes to an end, Google’s roadmap for Android Auto appears promising. With enhancements like Car Media and expanded app support, Android Auto is set to become a more versatile platform for drivers.
Expect more announcements during next year’s I/O conference, with potential rollouts in the first half of 2025.
