Our Italian colleagues from the AndroidWorld site were able to get their hands on the latest version of Android Auto beta 6.9. Journalists took the opportunity to dig into the APK to activate certain hidden features, which will probably be offered on future versions of Google’s OS. We take stock of the novelties together.
Over the years and updates, Android Auto has acquired many features. We note for example the suggestion of music and podcasts spotted on the latest version of the beta, the integration of a split screen mode which allows to use and display two applications at the same time, without forgetting the support many flagship applications like Coyote, but also WhatsApp and Telegram.
And as you know, Google offers as with Android 12 a beta program, which provides preview access to the various features to come on the automotive OS. And justly, APK of version 6.9.113544 of the Android Auto beta has just been deployed on APKMirror. Our Italian colleagues from the specialized AndroidWorld site took the opportunity to analyze the APK files and in the process unearth some hidden features that will soon be offered to all Android Auto users.
What’s new in version 6.9 of the Android Auto beta
First, journalists discovered the existence of a new design called “Coolwalk”, which brings a new style to the buttons on the navigation bar, all on a gray background for more readability. In addition, a new button appears. It allows to display a sidebar on which is displayed your various notifications as well as the music being played.
However, the interaction with the music component comes down to the playback controls, without the possibility of being redirected directly to your streaming application such as Spotify for example. As for the messages and notifications tab, it is simply possible to read the text or mute the notifications. As AndroidWorld assumes, this design seems to have been designed to streamline and improve multitasking on small control screens. Indeed, they tried to apply this design on a widescreen, without success.
More options for wallpapers on Android Auto
Then, this update brings new concerning the personalized wallpapers. Indeed, it is possible to modify its background on Android Auto since February 2021. If it was necessary until then to be satisfied with a list of wallpapers offered by Google, the user can now load and apply the wallpaper of your choice. Enough to further personalize your Android Auto experience.
The other novelty to report is in the choice of the driver’s seat. Indeed, Android Auto automatically adapts the interface depending on whether your steering wheel is on the left or on the right. But this is only valid for cars that have Android Auto on board natively. In the case of control screens which are not originally intended to accommodate the OS, there is now the possibility to manually select the position of the driver’s seat thanks to this latest update.
The beginnings of Material You on Android Auto?
Let’s finish with the new features spotted by AndroidWorld concerning the interface. Journalists found early references to “Material3”, which appears to be Material You’s alternative from Android 12 to Android Auto. Indeed, Android 12 will benefit from a complete overhaul of the stock interface. The goal? Offer increased personalization to the user, which will be able to modify all the elements of the interface such as notifications, the lock screen, widgets or even Google applications. These references to “Material3” suggest that Google is working on harmonization of Android Auto with its main operating system.
Then let us note jumbled improvements on the side of the “Do not disturb” functionality, the ability to switch to dark mode on Android Auto regardless of the display selected on your smartphone, and the correction of various bugs, without further details. As a reminder, Google recently simplified the conditions for accessing the Android Auto beta. If you are ever interested, all you have to do is register.
Source: AndroidWorld