Android Auto 13.9

 Introduction of Android Auto 13.9 by Google for all, what’s new

In an unexpected move, Google has just started rolling out yet another Android Auto update in version 13.9, but don’t expect any major changes. Google generally launches new Android Auto app updates on a roughly once-per-month schedule, but the company has unexpectedly just released Android Auto 13.9 to the beta rollout channel just days after Android Auto 13.8 graduated from beta. Google has just promoted Android Auto 13.9 to the production channel after previously shipping it to beta users earlier. As per Google's typical rollout system, the update won't land on all devices at once. The release happens in stages, so it's gradually enabled for devices configured to receive updates from the Google Play Store.

The update doesn’t deliver much in the sense of new ground-breaking changes, but does make a few updates. The rollout is typically completed in a few weeks, but if you don't want to wait, side loading is the answer. You can manually install Android Auto 13.9 on your device using the stand-alone APK installer. The build is the same as the one distributed through the Google Play Store, so you won't miss any improvements. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. 

The first step is downloading the Android Auto 13.9 APK installer on your device. You can find it on multiple online sources, including this page. After the download is completed, you must tap the file on your device to initiate the update. No removal of the existing Android Auto build is required, as all files are replaced automatically. The process should be over in a few seconds, albeit you might be prompted to grant special permissions when updating Android Auto. Version 13.9 doesn't bring big changes, albeit it includes a small update under the hood which provides us with a hint at how Google wants to expand the app in the long term. Android Auto 13.9 updates language throughout the experience with new terminology. These updates can be found throughout the experience, and in part continue work that started earlier this year in Android Auto 13.5. In many places, which  refer to using Android Auto on a “car,” the app now says “vehicle.” For example, in one part of Android Auto, Google previously said:-

“Android Auto will resume when your car’s parked. Already parked? Engage the parking brake.”

Now, the app says:-

“Android Auto will resume when your vehicle’s parked. Already parked? Engage the parking brake.”

Google has updated several lines of codes to reflect that Android Auto doesn't run on "cars" but on "vehicles." The change suggests that Google wants to expand Android Auto on more vehicles, likely motorcycles, so updating the prompts appearing when running the app makes more sense. Meanwhile, Google is working hard on bringing more apps to Android Auto. The effort started earlier this month with the debut of a new collection of games on Android Auto, with drivers now allowed to run them when the vehicle is stationary. More such titles are expected to launch in the near future, including in new app categories like video and browsers. We won’t list out all of the changes here as there are dozens, but a few other examples include:-

“To start, select Android Auto on your vehicle screen”

“To continue, use your vehicle screen, or tap Disconnect to stop.”

“Your phone may not connect to a vehicle while USB debugging is on. You can turn this off in Developer Options.”

“Tap here to learn how you can get new software version for your vehicle”

“Show weather on your vehicle screen, obtained using your phone location”

Google has already promised to unlock these app categories on Android Auto, and once this happens, users will be allowed to watch videos on their infotainment screens without turning to third-party solutions. YouTube is currently blocked on Android Auto for safety reasons, but the app will be unlocked when Google enables the video category in the car. More applications, including Netflix, could go live on Android Auto to allow drivers to watch shows when their vehicles are parked. Some of the changes made were also mentioned in the v13.5 beta update. Presumably, Google has also included various bug fixes in this update, but we’ll have to wait and see if those make any changes for on going bugs within the experience. Hopefully, it includes a fix for wireless connection issues. Google hasn't shared an updated change log for the new Android Auto build, so if you're wondering if the new version addresses a fix you've been battling lately, the only way to figure this out is to install it. The full build number of this update is 13.9.6510. Android Auto 13.9 is now rolling out, but may not be available to all users for a while.