Google released Android Auto more than four years ago, and what we have today is almost identical. This will change this summer, however. Google has just announced a massive redesign of Android Auto making it easier to manage notifications, access to apps and control media.

As you can see in the animation above, Android Auto will soon be completely different. Google has also provided a handy list of changes. Here are all the flagship features of the new Auto.

  • Ride faster on the road: As soon as you start your car, Android Auto continues to play your media content and displays your navigation application of choice. Just tap a suggested place or say "Hey Google" to navigate to a new place.
  • Stay on top of your applications: With the new navigation bar, you will be able to see your detailed instructions and control your applications and your phone on the same screen.
  • Do more with fewer faucets: With the new navigation bar, you can easily control your applications in one click. Get step-by-step instructions, rewind your podcast, or take incoming calls on the same screen.
  • Easily manage communications: The new notification center displays recent calls, messages, and alerts. You can view, listen and respond at a time that suits you and is safe.
  • A nice color palette for the eyes: We are developing the design of Android Auto to fit better inside your car. A dark theme, associated with colorful accents and easier font reading, also helps improve visibility.
  • A screen worthy of more cars: If you have a car with a larger screen, Android Auto now optimizes your display to show you more information, such as directions for the next turn, playback controls, and ongoing calls.

Google has recognized that most cars have dark colored dashboards. Thus, the new automatic user interface is darker with accent colors and more readable fonts. Those of you who have bigger screens in the car will also be happy to know that the Auto software will finally expand to fill the entire screen.

The new navigation bar looks like a clever way to manage an infotainment system with multiple functions. If you have a music player in place, you can still see the navigation information at the bottom. In the cards, you have a persistent playback control. The new launcher is now an application list rather than a list of notifications. Notifications are now all together in the new Notification Center, which I have been looking for for a long time in Android Auto.

Google has no specific launch date for the new Android Auto. All we know is that it will arrive on your phone "later this summer".