Google is revamping Android Auto with new features and app access. One category focuses on video, but with a twist – it only works when the car is parked. Or does it? The tech giant is working on a way to let users listen to videos while driving, but only with audio.
Listening to videos on the go
Until now, video apps could only be watched when the vehicle was stationary. But Google is working on an audio-only option for videos, designed for commutes. This new feature comes as the company plans to integrate video apps into Android Auto.
Currently, some cars with Android Automotive can play videos, but only when parked. Once the vehicle starts moving, playback stops. This rule makes sense to avoid distractions while driving, but it can be frustrating in certain cases, like video podcasts or sports games, where the audio remains relevant even without the video.
That’s why Google is introducing an automatic transition between video playback (when parked) and audio-only (when moving). Announced during a video for developers at the last Google I/O, this feature lets users continue listening to a video when the car starts moving, without having to restart the content manually.
Google’s new Android Auto feature
For now, this feature is in early access and limited to vehicles with Android Automotive and Android 14 or later. It also requires manual integration by app developers to work.
The timing isn’t a coincidence. Google also confirmed this week that video apps are coming to Android Auto. Until now, the system focused on navigation, music, and messages, leaving videos behind. But everything seems to be changing, with the introduction of new app types and offerings.
It’s unclear whether the audio mode for video content will be integrated directly into Android Auto or reserved for vehicles compatible with Android Automotive. But the connection seems obvious, and it’s a safe bet that the company will aim to harmonize the experience across its two embedded platforms.
