Google Updates Android Auto With Dark Theme and Smarter Navigation
Google reveals a redesigned Android Auto featuring a dark theme, seamless app continuity, and a redesigned navigation bar to maximize screen space. The updated in-car interface launches this summer to make driving safer and more intuitive.
Google unveils a major visual and functional refresh for Android Auto that brings a new dark theme, updated fonts, and color accents to the in-car interface. These visual changes aim to reduce glare and help drivers quickly read content on their vehicle's central screen. The tech giant reveals these updates at Google I/O 2019, with the rollout scheduled for this summer.
The updated platform makes communication and navigation much more seamless for drivers. Android Auto now automatically continues playing the driver's chosen media and navigation apps as soon as the vehicle starts, eliminating the need to restart previous sessions. Drivers also gain the ability to view turn-by-turn directions, control apps, and manage phone calls all on a single screen.
Google also optimizes the software to adapt to various screen sizes, maximizing the display to show more crucial information like upcoming turns and playback controls. Unlike the newer Android Automotive OS which acts as a full operating system for cars, Android Auto remains a secondary interface that runs on top of a vehicle's existing system. Today, this popular secondary interface is available in over 500 car models from 50 different brands.