Android Auto Update

 The Number One Android Auto Update Launched 

We're literally only a few hours away from the start of New Year celebrations around the world, and  look at Android Auto and struggle to remember the updates the application received in 2023. While the biggest update is the most obvious one, it's clear that 2023 didn't bring too many changes to the Android Auto world. The much-anticipated Android Auto has finally landed, and the best part is no more exclusive beta programs. Now available to all users, this update brings a fresh perspective to the familiar interface, promising an enhanced driving experience. Here we will explore the key features of Android Auto, with a particular focus on the visually striking changes it introduces.

We do know that big things are coming to Android Auto users, including phone wallpaper syncing, mobile device OEM icon support, and a disconnect button for wireless connections, but the production channel barely received any changes this year. Aside from the biggest transformation of Android Auto, that is. Its name is Coolwalk, and its rollout was received with much enthusiasm by users worldwide. One of the most noticeable alterations in Android Auto lies in its iconography. For years, users have been accustomed to circular icons, but with this latest update, the once steadfast design principle has evolved. Icons now adapt to the shape of your phone, introducing a level of customization that adds a personal touch to your in-car display. For example, users with OnePlus phones will encounter square icons with rounded corners, while Samsung users will notice a squircle, blending the elements of a square and a circle. 

While it technically started rolling out in December 2022, Google officially announced it in January this year after missing the original release target by approximately six months. The search giant wanted to launch Coolwalk in the summer of 2022, but it needed more time to polish the interface and prepare it for prime time. Coolwalk started showing up for users in the production channel in late 2022, with the rollout gaining pace beginning in January. Google used a server-side switch to enable the new feature for Android Auto users, and waiting for the update. While Material influence You on Android Auto’s design is yet to be fully realized, it holds the promise of a more cohesive and personalized visual language. The Material You design philosophy, which adapts colours and styles based on user preferences, is expected to bring a refreshing and harmonious look to Android Auto, aligning it with the broader Android ecosystem.

Ensuring you’re making the most of Android Auto involves a simple update process:-

Start by checking your current Android Auto version, as updates may occur stealthily in the background.

If you’re not on Android Auto yet, head to Google Play, tap on your profile picture. Then select “Manage apps & device,” and hit “Update All.”

If the update remains elusive, consider visiting the Android Auto page on APKMirror. Download the file to your phone and open it using the package installer. Follow the on-screen prompts and when prompted, press “Update.”

Maintaining your Android Auto app up to date is crucial, even if the visible changes seem limited. Google likely includes internal optimizations and improvements that contribute to the overall performance. 

Coolwalk 

Google has never referred to the new interface as "Coolwalk," but the internal codename eventually became the name everybody used to describe the update. Compared to the previous Android Auto interface, Coolwalk introduces a new screen whose role is to divide the UI into multiple cards. If you used the CarPlay Dashboard, you probably found Coolwalk very familiar. Each card on the screen is assigned to a certain app category, namely navigation, music players, and phone calls. It's a clever way to have more than one app on the screen, regardless of the display's dimensions, resolution and aspect ratio.

Infotainment units sporting a portrait orientation also received a weather card to display the current temperature and conditions. Google also promised to look into ways to bring the same card to landscape screens. Coolwalk completely transformed the way we use Android Auto, as it's now more convenient to keep multiple apps on the same screen at all times. Coolwalk eliminates the need for toggling between apps, so overall, it reduces the driver's distraction. Users who want to switch to full-screen mode can just tap the app and let it switch from the Coolwalk view to using the entire screen. All big apps have been updated to support Coolwalk, including Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Sygic's GPS Navigation. It doesn't mean the work on Coolwalk should be considered complete. Coolwalk occasionally feels like a work in progress, including when it comes to weather information. The status bar at the top of the screen has been removed, with all information but weather data moved to the bottom. 

Other updates

While Coolwalk was nearly the only notable update received by Android Auto in 2023, Google also shipped several related refinements to improve the experience behind the wheel. The Google Maps interface update is already live for all users. It's probably a matter of time until everybody gets used to it. Google Maps also received a quiet update to save the parking location when running on Android Auto. If you navigate to a location and can't find a parking place in front of the address, Google Maps can save the parking spot when you shut down the engine. If you must walk from the car to the address you configured in Google Maps for navigation, the application can offer step-by-step walking directions to the entrance. When you get back to the car, Google Maps can assist you as you walk towards the vehicle.

Bigger things are coming to Android Auto users in 2024, including the features mentioned above and possibly other goodies the search giant is working on. The company likely used 2023 for an interface update, with 2024 to witness the debut of a feature overhaul. Fingers crossed for the Android Auto transformation to continue, especially because carmakers have started investing in software, as they want to turn the infotainment into a money-making machine.

Conclusion

Android Auto signifies a step forward in the evolution of in-car connectivity. Offering users a visually refreshed experience and the promise of future enhancements. While some anticipated features are still on the horizon, the revamped icons showcase Google’s commitment to adapting the platform to varying device designs. Keep your Android Auto updated, embrace the changes and stay tuned for what the future updates might bring to further enhance your driving experience.