Driving with Android gets an upgrade.
Google announced a revamped interface update to Android Auto and a new Assistant ‘driving mode’ overnight at its annual I/O keynote.
The first complete design refresh for Android Auto since its reveal in 2014 emphasises an easier to use user interface, highlighted by a new contextual navigation bar that displays small ‘widgets’ of information and controls based on applications.
It will display a snippet based on the app you’re in such as Spotify music controls while navigating on Google Maps or maps turn-by-turn directions when checking your notifications.
Yes, it now has an accessible notification hub via the same bar to allow drivers’ to check-up on their missed notifications from Android Auto certified apps with Assistant reading it aloud, instead of displaying plain text (for safety reasons of course).
Meanwhile, the Assistant button to prompt voice commands has shifted from the top to bottom for easier access, ditto the home button which is placed on the right (or left depending on country) closest to the driver for easy reach.
Prompting that button will now bring up an app launcher grid (finally) where users can easily launch their apps with the most frequently used ones prioritised at the top.
The search giant is introducing some Assistant prompts that act as apps on the launcher such as Google Calendar and Google Weather.
They are distinguished with a small Assistant label at the corner of the app icon and when prompted, it simply triggers the Assistant to tell you what’s next on your calendar or weather for the day respectively.
Android Auto receives a design overhaul with a persistent dark mode — regardless of time — new icons, text, a less discrete banner for incoming calls, and audio interface for compatible apps all in an attempt to decrease driver distraction.
It also resumes whatever is already launched on the phone when connected to the car, so your maps will automatically launch and audio will continue where you left off on the phone.
As a reminder, you’ll still need a car head unit compatible with Android Auto — with over 500 car models and 50 manufactures on the road today — but Google did note that it now supports widescreen systems by displaying two apps at once, and Android Auto wireless will rollout built-in cars in late 2019.
Furthermore, for consumers who don’t have an Android Auto compatible vehicle, the Alphabet company unveiled Google Assistant driving mode which essentially replaces the current Android Auto car app implementation launched just in 2016.
Available to any Assistant-enabled Android smartphone, it can be summoned by saying “Hey, Google, let’s drive,” and brings an infotainment-style dashboard with large buttons, text, and a tweaked interface with a low profile bottom banner for music and call controls.
Of course, it provides quick access to navigation, audio and calling functions, as well as smart suggestions by the Assistant to initiate actions.
Assistant will even ask you to answer or decline phone calls to avoid the lethal distraction of touching your phone.
Both the Android Auto revamp and Assistant driving mode will lob ‘late summer’ (winter for the southern hemisphere) to all compatible Android smartphones.
The Connected by Henry Man 