Android Auto: What is changing
Android Auto allows drivers to access music, media and navigation apps on car infotainment system screens by connecting their Android smartphones. At Google I/O, the company announced that the new UI will essentially put navigation, media and communication on one single screen for a safer driving experience.
As per the images shared by various reports, Android Auto looks more like Apple CarPlay. There is a split screen interface where the lion’s share is taken by the navigation app or Google Maps card. About a fourth of the total space on the screen is taken by the music app card and the rest is for communication apps.
If there’s no communication app opened, the majority of space is taken by the Maps card and the rest by the music app card. The music player card is colourful and the whole UI looks more dynamic.
The taskbar has Maps, Music App, Communication App and Settings icons for one-touch navigation, however, these are now centrally-aligned. The current UI has these icons on the bottom left corner of the screen. The new UI automatically adjusts as per the screen orientation but Maps will get the largest space no matter what the orientation is.
How to test Android Auto redesign
Google is releasing the new Android Auto through the Play Store beta programme. If you have already enrolled, you should get an update. For those who want to test it, they can sign up for the beta programme.
