[ad_1]
Google announced a ton of Android Auto– related news this morning, including improvements to the driving mode of Google Assistant, Android Auto itself, as well as the fact that Honda is entering the 21st century with the inclusion of Android Automotive in upcoming vehicles .
For Google Assistant driving mode, users will experience a fully updated dashboard UI, offering easy-to-view maps for navigation, music, messaging, and more. To enter said dashboard, you will simply say, “Ok Google, let’s drive”. Check out the new dashboard GIF below. It looks quite smooth.
Google specifies that the driving mode will be the “main experience” for Android phones in the future and that it will be fully deployed in the coming weeks for Android phones in English (United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, India, Singapore and United Kingdom), German, Spanish (Spain, Mexico), French and Italian.
Android Auto Improvements
For Android Auto in general, Google says users will now see Google Assistant music, news, and podcast recommendations, and can set which app launches when Android Auto starts. Additionally, users can now access games from GameSnacks directly from the car screen when parked. This will make it a bit easier to kill time in the car I guess.
In addition, users of dual-SIM Android phones will now be able to choose which SIM card to use when making calls via Android Auto, and in addition, Android Auto will support a “work profile”, which allows you to view meetings from work ahead messages on your car screen.
Google also notes a fairly smooth feature for gas stations.
When it’s time to refuel at the gas station, you can now put away your credit card or cash and say “Ok Google, pay gas” on Android Auto or from your Android phone. Select your pump number and make contactless payment with Google Pay. It will be available at more than 32,500 gas stations across the United States, starting with Exxon and Mobil, Conoco, Phillips 66 and 76 stations.
Waze improvements, too
Waze, the only good option for navigation on Android outside of Google Maps, will also see big improvements on the Android Auto platform. According to the press release, Waze on Android Auto is in the process of refreshing itself to “create a more streamlined browsing experience.”
The new design includes touchpad support, night mode, lane guidance support, and puts the map and directions front and center in the user interface so other elements don’t get in the way.
Honda gets Android Automobile
Announced this morning, Honda is joining the Android Automotive family. You will find Android Automotive on select 2022 Honda vehicles and beyond.
[ad_2]
Source link