Google is rolling out customizable home screen widgets to its Android Auto platform, aiming to bring a more personalized and familiar smartphone-like experience to vehicle dashboards.
This new functionality, currently in beta testing, allows users to display essential information directly on the main screen without navigating through menus. The feature is available in beta version 5.6.154404 of the Android Auto application.
It mirrors the widget experience found on Android smartphones, allowing drivers to view elements like weather forecasts, clocks, or music controls at a glance. This provides a constant display of useful information.
When active, the chosen widget occupies approximately 35% of the Android Auto display. The remaining area maintains the standard interface.
Users can activate and manage these widgets through a new “Complementary Widget” menu, accessible within the Android Auto settings. They can select compatible applications and adjust widget sizes using a slider.
The current beta implementation allows for only one widget to be displayed at a time. Selecting a new widget replaces the previous choice.
Some interactive widgets, such as those from Google Keep or Gemini, are presently non-functional and display error messages upon user interaction.
However, other widgets, including the Weather application on Google Pixel phones and the Timer function within the Clock app, are reported to work effectively.
While still under development, the potential for features like a Spotify widget displaying playback controls is evident, even if song titles are not yet visible. Google anticipates improved compatibility in the coming months as developers adapt applications to Android Auto’s horizontal interface.
This initiative reflects Google’s strategy to offer greater flexibility to drivers. It aims to maintain the familiar Android interface they are accustomed to.
A timeline for when this widget functionality will move from beta to a stable release has not yet been announced.