What’s the latest version of Android Auto?
Android Auto is Google’s in-vehicle platform that allows users to project apps from their Android smartphone onto the vehicle’s infotainment display. It provides a simple, driver-friendly interface to access navigation, media, communications and vehicle information while minimizing distractions.
The goal of Android Auto is to let drivers access key features of their smartphone safely while their vehicle is in motion. It aims to reduce potential driver distraction by limiting interactions to voice commands or simple taps on the head unit’s screen.
Android Auto was first announced in 2014 and launched in 2015. Since then, it has expanded to support more apps, vehicles and smartphone models.
Latest Version – Android Auto 8.0
The latest major version of Android Auto is 8.0, which started rolling out to users in August 2022 (1). This release came over 3 years after the previous major version, 7.0, was launched in 2019.
Android Auto 8.0 was announced at Google I/O 2022 in May, with the company touting new features like a customizable home screen, expanded app support, and improved voice controls (2). However, upon the actual launch in August, some of these features were not yet implemented.
The main changes in Android Auto 8.0 so far have focused on under-the-hood improvements and expanding phone compatibility. Major interface changes like the new “Coolwalk” redesign have not yet materialized (3). Google has indicated that these features are still planned for future 8.x releases.
Interface Redesign
The latest version of Android Auto, 8.0, features a redesigned user interface called “Coolwalk.” This redesign focuses on improving the multitasking capabilities and customization options of Android Auto [1].
Some key aspects of the Coolwalk interface redesign include:
- A customizable home screen with up to four apps visible at once
- The ability to drag and drop to rearrange apps on the home screen
- A navigation bar at the bottom to easily switch between apps
- A Spotify media widget when music is playing
- Redesigned Google Maps and Google Assistant interfaces
The redesigned interface aims to provide a more seamless experience between apps and allow users to access frequently used apps more quickly. It brings Android Auto more in line with the customization and multitasking capabilities of smartphone interfaces.
Expanded App Support
One of the biggest new features in Android Auto 8.0 is expanded app support. With this latest update, Android Auto now supports more third-party apps beyond just music, messaging, and maps. Here is a list of some of the notable new apps that are now compatible with Android Auto 8.0:
- Spotify – The popular music and podcast streaming app can now be used directly in Android Auto to access playlists, stations, and more. This allows seamless listening experience between phone and car.
- Audible – The audiobook app now works with Android Auto so you can listen to audiobooks directly in your car’s display.
- Podcast Addict – This popular podcast app has added Android Auto support so you can directly access your subscribed podcasts and episodes while driving.
- JetBlue – JetBlue’s Android app now works with Android Auto to allow checking flight statuses, boarding passes, and more on the car display.
- ParkWhiz – Find and pay for parking with this app that now integrates with Android Auto.
In total, over 40 additional apps beyond media and messaging have added support for Android Auto with the 8.0 update. This expanded app ecosystem greatly increases the functionality and convenience of Android Auto.
Customizable Home Screen
A major new feature in Android Auto 8.0 is the ability to customize the home screen layout (source). Users can now rearrange the position and size of app shortcuts, as well as widgets like weather, calendar, and media playback.
The customizable home screen provides an overview of key information at a glance. Users can prioritize the apps and data they access most frequently. It also allows customizing the look and feel of the interface. Overall, the updated home screen enables greater personalization and utility for drivers.
Improved Voice Control
One of the big improvements in Android Auto 8.0 is the enhanced voice control powered by Google Assistant integration. According to this article, Google Assistant will now offer helpful suggestions and reminders for things like sending travel updates or returning missed calls.
There are also new shortcuts users can enable to quickly access features like changing temperature controls or playing specific audio content. Google touts this as “Assistant driving the experience” to make common in-car tasks easier and more intuitive. Tests of the updated software found voice recognition accuracy and response times to be noticeably improved as well.
Overall, Android Auto 8.0 takes hands-free operation to the next level with Google Assistant. Between proactive suggestions and expanded voice commands, drivers should find their in-car experience much simpler and safer.
Expanded Phone Compatibility
Android Auto now supports more phone models than ever. As of version 8.0, the following additional phone models are compatible according to the latest Car and Driver article:
- Google Pixel 7
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- OnePlus 11
- Motorola Edge 30
This greatly expands the Android Auto user base. More drivers will be able to enjoy the benefits of the updated interface and features discussed below. With these new models supported, over 90% of new Android phones released in 2023 will work seamlessly with Android Auto.
Availability
Android Auto 8.0 started rolling out to users in September 2022. It is arriving as an over-the-air (OTA) update gradually and will also be included with new Android phones released after September. As with all OTA updates, the rollout will progress regionally and some users may receive the update before others.
Devices eligible for the Android Auto 8.0 update include pixel phones from 2018 or later, select Samsung Galaxy phones from the past 3-4 years, and most recent phones from Chinese brands like Oppo, Oneplus, Xiaomi, and Huawei, among others. The update will be available to users with a compatible phone once it reaches their region.
If desired, users can manually install the Android Auto app on their phones to receive the latest features instead of waiting for the regional rollout. However, OTA updates will also continue to roll out to supported phones through the end of 2022.
User Feedback
Android Auto 8.0 is a significant redesign that has received positive feedback from early users and testers. Reviews from Android Central note that the customizable home screen allows users to “quickly and easily tailor Android Auto to match [their] needs.” The updated design “lays out all that gorgeous data in a manner that’s visually arresting.”
A Samsung user cited in a video review praises the improvements to voice control, stating Android Auto 8.0 “understands what I want much better now.” Expanded phone compatibility also gets positive marks from testers, with Android Auto 8.0 supporting “more devices than ever before.”
Early reviews indicate users appreciate the redesign and new features that make Android Auto more customizable, intuitive and compatible across devices. As one tester concludes, “Android Auto just keeps getting better.”
Conclusion
Android Auto version 8.0 is the latest update to Google’s smartphone integration software for cars. It introduces many handy new features and improvements over the previous version, including:
- A major interface redesign that brings a customizable home screen for quicker access to favorite apps
- Expanded compatibility with more smartphone models, allowing more drivers to use Android Auto
- Enhanced voice control capabilities for controlling music, navigation, and vehicle systems with your voice
- Support for additional third party apps beyond just media and maps
Overall, Android Auto 8.0 provides an updated user experience focused on personalization, expanding smartphone compatibility, enhancing key features like voice control, and opening up Android Auto to more app developers. It shows Google’s continued investment into making Android Auto an indispensable car companion for Android users.