Android Auto Archives - Gizmochina

Android Auto’s Major Redesign Elevates Experience with Google Assistant and Voice Replies

Simranpal Singh — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:44:46 +0000

The much-needed Android Auto design overhaul is finally here, and users can enjoy it on their respective devices. The latest updates make the user interface more user-friendly by centralizing the navigation panel and then showing the call and music cards on the bottom side of the panel. The blank space left at the bottom of the UI gets a Google Assistant. Below, we have discussed the new changes to Android Auto in detail.

Major Changes in Android Auto Redesign

Google is once again revamping its Assistant interface on Android Auto, and this time it extends to voice replies, offering users a refined and polished experience. The new design features a “listening” UI on the bottom bar that replaces app icons, transcribing the user’s speech along the bar. It also overhauls voice replies, displaying them in unused space alongside maps.

Google Assistant Re-Imagined

The updated Google Assistant now greets users with a “Hi, how can I help you?” tag if there’s a moment of silence. As soon as the user starts speaking, the Assistant transcribes the voice commands along the bar. Notably, the replies from the Assistant continue to be read aloud and are not displayed on the screen.

Improved Voice Replies

In addition to the aesthetic overhaul, Google is enhancing the voice reply experience on Android Auto. Voice replies now utilize any unused space on the screen not occupied by maps. The interface includes a “Speak now” prompt in one panel, transcribing the message while providing clear “Cancel” and “Send” buttons. Alongside, the profile picture and name of the recipient, as well as the app icon (e.g., Telegram), are displayed.

AI Auto Reply

Google is aiming high with its generative AI prowess using new AI engines. After bringing the generative AI feature to Chrome, the new features are soon going to enthrall such features in Android Auto. The redesigned Assistant and voice reply features come ahead of Google’s planned support for AI message summaries on Android Auto and more context-aware auto-replies. While a preview video showcased similar design elements, these specific features are not yet live but are anticipated to roll out soon.

Get New Android Auto

The redesign, part of Android Auto version 11.2, enhances the overall experience and aligns with Google’s ongoing improvements to Assistant’s design on various platforms. Users can expect the update to roll out gradually over the next few weeks.

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General Motors Ditching Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for Money

Oğuz Çakır — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:51:00 +0000

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are undoubtedly the most significant technological revolution we have seen since the advent of smartphones. Regardless of the brand and model, these technologies smarten up your vehicle, seamlessly integrating it into your ecosystem and making it easier to use, gaining popularity among users. However, it seems that some car manufacturers are not pleased with this situation. One such company, General Motors, is ditching Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Here are the details…

General Motors Strategic Exit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

General Motors, known for its popular brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, is getting ready to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its vehicles. The reason behind this decision is safety concerns. The company points out that both services often require drivers to physically handle their phones for specific tasks. As a response, General Motors is partnering with Google to create a safer alternative.

This new service, completely focused on Google services, will not require any phone connection and will offer above-average performance in voice commands. As a result, drivers won’t need to worry about connection interruptions or having to look at their phones for any reason. While security is undoubtedly a crucial concern, General Motors is taking a serious risk, as the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a dealbreaker for many users today.

The technologies mentioned are extremely popular, not just as standard features in new vehicles, but also among owners of older car models who are incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through modifications. Moreover, criticisms are not only coming from users but also from the industry. Fo example Ford CEO Jim Farley, who recently criticized GM on Twitter, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

So, is General Motors’ primary focus solely on safety? In reality, the signs suggest that the situation is more nuanced. Both CarPlay and Android Auto are essentially owned by Apple and Google. This means that the revenue generated from both platforms does not belong to GM. However, if the company insists on promoting its own service, making money from it becomes quite straightforward.

In fact, Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer, acknowledged this in an interview with Reuters earlier this year, stating, “We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us.” Nevertheless, it’s up to you to consider all these factors and decide what the truth is.

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Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro not able to launch Android Auto, users report

Anurag — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:26:37 +0000

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro debuted earlier this month. And while we were just starting to make peace with their underwhelming GPU performance and heating issues, a new problem has begun to emerge. Users of the new Pixel phones are reporting that they are unable to launch the Android Auto app. Google has also stepped in to help by urging affected users to send a diagnosis report.

Older Pixel phones don’t have this issue

Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro users on Google’s forums are reporting that Android Auto isn’t working for them (Via autoevolution). Even though their phones connect to the head unit and start charging, the Android Auto app never launches. These users also say that they never had this problem with their older Pixel phones, including the Pixel 7 and even the Pixel 3.

Google has not yet rolled out a fix, but an official from the Android Auto team has stepped in to offer help, or we could say, is asking users to help Google. “It would be great if you could send us a bug report from your phone to diagnose the root cause of the issue. We’ll send an email with instructions on how to capture a bug report,” wrote an Android Auto team community specialist in response to a user’s complaint.

As Bogdan Popa writes for autoevolution, it’s perplexing for users when “a Google phone running Google software on a Google operating system” is affected by bugs. Currently, there’s no news as to when Google could fix the issue. We hope to learn more in the coming days.

Some Samsung Galaxy S23 Users Struggle with Android Auto Issues

Oğuz Çakır — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:26:23 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series was recently unveiled at the Unpacked event, and One UI 5.1 was also launched along with the smartphones. However, as always, new hardware and software come with some errors. It looks like Android Auto is stalling out for some Samsung Galaxy S23 owners. Here are the details…

Samsung Galaxy S23 Users Encounter Android Auto Issues

The sales of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series have started. As expected, the performance and capabilities of the phones are at a flagship level. However, some users are reporting issues with the Android Auto feature. According to reports on Reddit and Google support forums, some Galaxy S23 users are having trouble syncing their devices with their cars wirelessly, and Bluetooth pairing is automatically failing after the vehicle is disabled.

Some users are also reporting missing permissions that prevent their phones from connecting properly. It should be noted that this issue does not affect all Galaxy S23 users. While many people report being able to use all features without any problems, a substantial number of users are experiencing issues. This suggests that the problem may be related to the software. Additionally, this is not the first time that Samsung has faced issues with Android Auto.

The Galaxy S22 series had similar complaints when it was launched last year, with issues related to wired and wireless connections leading to a black image on in-car displays. Although a fix was rolled out on beta channels in May, it took until August for the patch to reach all affected devices. It is unclear what is causing the issues with Android Auto on the Galaxy S23 series, but it is hoped that both Samsung and Google will work to resolve the issue quickly.

It would be beneficial for Samsung to act promptly on this issue, particularly considering the high price of the phone. When users pay a premium price for an exceptional experience, they may choose to switch to another brand for their next phone if their expectations are not met. Currently, one of Samsung’s most significant challenges is flagship sales.

Although the company is a leader in entry-level and mid-range models, it falls behind Apple in premium phone sales. Regrettably, these problems with their new models, and possible delays in fixing them, will only exacerbate the situation for the South Korean tech giant.

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Redesigned UI of Android Auto Is Finally Available; Here’s What’s New

Chandan — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:55:50 +0000

Earlier this year, Google had shown off an entirely new UI for the upcoming Android Auto. Without a doubt, the new, streamlined UI looks pretty interesting. Incorporating a new multi-column design into the new design also significantly improves usability. Google had previously stated that the new UI would be made available to the public in the summer of 2022, but the company was unable to fulfil this promise. The IT giant has finally begun releasing the update, though, so that’s good news.

Speaking of Android Auto’s new updated user interface, it delivers a new simple, minimalist, and streamlined UI. As it features a split-screen UI that displays numerous widgets depending on the screen size and aspect ratio, Google has also incorporated an Auto redesign function that enables the UI to adopt all types of screens; portrait, landscape, and ultrawide. The new UI map has also been improved for the driver’s accessibility. The new app dock, which is quite similar to the app dock in Android 12L, is persistent and makes switching between apps simpler.

The multimedia card can now dynamically change in size. A more elegant design has been added to it. Google has also mentioned Android Auto’s compatibility with the Material You colour theme. By pressing the clock area, you can now access the status symbols and notifications in one convenient location. One swipe will access Google Assistant’s recommendations for music and media. So, here is how Android Auto’s freshly updated user interface appears.

However, the upgrade is currently only available to those who have signed up for the public beta, so if you are not one of them, you will be unable to enjoy the new user interface right now. But given that the system’s stable release comes after the public beta rollout, we can expect the full stable rollout to occur in the coming weeks. Google presently has no official words for it.

Google’s Android Auto gets a new interface, split-screen & more functions

Jed John Ikoba — Fri, 13 May 2022 17:27:38 +0000

Android Auto-powered display screens have become vital parts of modern cars. Even owners of cars that don’t have Android screens from the factory have found a way around by installing third-party Android Auto dongles like the Motorola MA1 Android Auto dongle. So it is fitting that Google is introducing some upgrades to Android Auto bringing not just a new look but more features.

The main change in the application is that the user interface will be more flexible in adapting to different car screen sizes and orientations. It will also have a default split-screen look, offering drivers easier control over the major functions. Google is also working to bring more video content and casting capability to the Android Auto. This will allow users to cast videos on the car’s display.

Android Auto is mainly deployed by most drivers for map information, media, and messaging mainly. The Google Assistant and notifications will be more accessible with the new Android Auto outlook. The dock will also be able to will be at the side closest to the car’s steering wheel for easier access.

Google Assistant will deliver suggested quick solutions to issues including sharing estimated time or arrival with your contacts. Furthermore, more recent cars with built-in Android Automotive OS will get more features like web browsing, watching YouTube videos, and other options when the car is parked. Some of the car brands that will have this feature include Ford, Volvo, and GMC.

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New features roll out to Messages, Gboard, and other Google apps and services

Habeeb Onawole — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 20:53:29 +0000

Google is rolling out new features to a number of its Android apps and services. Apps such as Messages, Gboard, and the accessibility app, Voice Access are on the list alongside Android Auto and the Android Earthquake Alerts System.

Google Messages – Starred Messages

The ability to star messages is a feature I use a lot on WhatsApp, and I’m sure a lot of our readers do too. Now the feature is coming to Google Messages, so users can star important messages in their inbox.

The feature will begin rolling out in a few weeks and once available, all you have to do is long-press on a message you wish to star.

Gboard – Emoji Kitchen Suggestions

Keyboard apps have become much smarter since their first iteration. They can not only predict texts but also suggest emojis and stickers. Gboard which is Google’s own keyboard app will now be able to suggest stickers in the Emoji Kitchen based on the context of your message.

For those who don’t know what Emoji Kitchen is, it is a feature that lets you combine two emojis into one creative sticker. For example, you can combine the clown emoji with a kiss emoji to get a clown blowing a kiss. With the suggestion, you will get sticker suggestions from the emoji kitchen.

The feature which will work with messages in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, will be available for beta users today and will come to the stable version later this summer.

Hey Google

You can use the Hey Google command to control a number of apps and we don’t mean just launching them. Google is expanding the feature to more apps including Strava. Users will be able to ask Google Assistant to check a metric on Strava.

Voice Acess – Gaze Detection and Enhanced Password Dictation

Voice Access is an accessibility app that allows those with motor impairment to control their device. With Gaze Detection, the app will be able to tell if the user is looking at the phone which is when it will work. Another feature Google has added is enhanced password dictation which allows the user to not only dictate passwords but also ask the app to capitalize an alphabet and also say the name of a symbol such as saying ‘ampersand’ for the ‘&’ symbol.

Android Auto – New customizations and features

Android Auto owners will be able to choose a dark mode, customize the launcher from their phone, and has added an A to Z button to the scroll bar that makes it easier to jump to an app.

Android Earthquake Alerts System – Support for more countries

The Android Earthquake Alerts System which uses sensors on Android devices to detect earthquakes is now rolling out to more countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, The Philippines, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Here are the 6 new features Google is rolling out for every Android user

Jeet — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:59:12 +0000

Google had recently introduced several new Android features like Emoji Kitchen and auto-narrated audiobooks. Now, the company has added six new features that should be available for everyone very soon.

The company is rolling out Dark Mode for Google Maps, a new Password Checkup tool for Android users, ability to schedule messages in Google Messages, new Assistant commands that can be used hands-free, a new version of TalkBack, and some more customizations for Android Auto. Here is a list of the same, with information about the changes and updates.

Password Checkup Tool

The password checkup tool from Google is very helpful as it checks the user’s saved login credentials against “known compromised passwords.” The feature has been available for Desktop users and now it is coming to Android.

If the user has enabled the Autofill on the smartphone for saving credentials, the service will check for any compromised information and then Google will recommend changes to be made, if needed.

Message Scheduling

Google Messages application from the company is confirmed to get the ability to schedule messages. The feature was spotted by some users in September last year but wasn’t officially confirmed by the company.

Users can now finally schedule message just by opening the app, typing out the message to the contact and then long-pressing the send button to get options for scheduling. The app will also show suggested timings but users can set their own date and time.

Google Maps Dark Mode

Dark Mode has been introduced in almost all applications of Google and now the company is finally bringing it to Google Maps. The feature was expected to be available around September 2020 but has been delayed and now it’s finally here.

To enable Dark Mode in Google Maps, the user will need to go to the Settings in the application and then look for “Theme.” In there, toggle the option for “Always in Dark Theme” or anything else from the options.

Hands-Free Google Assistant Commands

This isn’t a new feature as the hands-free commands for Google Assistant have been available for some time. However, the company is now expanded the list of commands to make it easier to use.

As per the announcement, the user will now be able to set an alarm, play music, send text messages or make calls, all without unlocking the phone. There’s also a new set of glanceable cards showing basic info on the lock screen.

Updated TalkBack

Android has a screen reader named TalkBack which is aimed at those who are blind or with low vision. It is now getting revamped with more intuitive gestures, a unified menu, a new reading control menu, and more.

The company claims that it has added several new easy-to-learn multi-finger gestures for Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices to make it easier to interact with apps. It has also added new reading controls that are adjusted with 3-finger swipe. There are also new voice commands, support for two new languages in TalkBack’s braille keyboard, and more.

Android Auto Customizations

A new update to the Android Auto service will being support for custom wallpapers as well as voice-activated games. The company is also planning to offer home screen shortcuts for things like contacts and tasks like checking weather or adjusting thermostat through Google Assistant.

It will also roll out a new new split-screen view when the car has a wider display and a privacy screen when there are others along with the user in the car.

New Android Auto update starts rolling out bringing Google Assistant shortcut & more

Jed John Ikoba — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 23:30:32 +0000

The most recent update of Google‘s Android Auto includes a couple of features that will further enhance its versatility as a mirror app of your Android smartphone for compatible dashboard systems. The update brings a shortcut to launch the Google Assistant feature on the app a couple of new wallpapers.

The new shortcut to the clever Assistant feature on Android Auto will allow users to easily add a shortcut to launch Google Assistant to do several tasks via the app. These include quickly calling a person on your phone contact or requesting navigational assistance, as well as many other activities that could trigger the action of the Assistant action. This new shortcut feature helps to fully integrate Android Auto to provide greater width and services as if you were using your Android smartphone itself, which is quite exciting.

Late last year, some tipsters had predicted that Google was indeed working on adding wallpapers to an upcoming Android Auto update so that users of the app can get an array of beautiful wallpapers to use. Recent comments and screenshots released by users on social media platform Reddit show that indeed Google has started rolling out the feature, as the users provided screenshots as evidence of their claims. However, this new updated option for wallpapers does not allow users to choose photos from their camera gallery as wallpapers in Android Auto – at least with this current update.

The wallpapers feature a number of themes reflecting ambience and coolness and can be accessed via the settings of the Android Auto app. You can easily change your wallpaper by picking the Choose Wallpaper option under the settings menu.

In order to get these new additions, you must first update your app to the current version of Android Auto and see whether the new features are available.

Google does not allow manufacturers to customize the new skin for Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV

Rosgani — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 02:12:21 +0000

According to PCWorld website, Google Android smart phone loses the control of the user interface, but in the face of wearable devices, Android TV equipment and Android Auto platform, Google will not repeat the mistakes of the smartphone.

In an interview with Ars Technica, Google engineering director David Burke said, Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV’s user interface and the software code Google will control the manufacturer, this mean the third party manufacturer cannot modified the Android interface.

Burke noted that “in Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV, the user interface is part of the product, and we hope that these platforms have a consistent for better user experience, if a user in both chambers have different manufacturers Android TV equipment, we want them to work the same and look the same.”

Burke pointed out, Google will directly manage Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV equipment, so that all devices can receive the new version of the software to synchronize the end part of the equipment, so you need to wait for a few months for a new version.

Google apparently thinks all new Android device should adopt a consistent design, the idea that simple as what Apple is doig with iOS. Burke said, “device manufacturers can not use their own brand of software platforms, they can bundle their services in which other aspects of the same platform.

Android Auto, and Android TV will be available later this year. Samsung and LG will be on sale the Android Wear smartwatch in early July, while Motorola plans to release Moto 360 smartwatch in late summer.

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