Google announced a collection of updates to its in-car infotainment offerings. With that, drivers will now be able to access a variety of new apps, including Zoom, Vivaldi, Prime Video, and the Weather Network.
The new features are coming to Android Auto and Google Built-In and will expand vehicles’ functionality in a variety of scenarios, including on the move or when a driver is parked and charging.
Starting on Thursday, September 14, users will be able to download WebEx by Cisco and Zoom for Android Auto. Both services will be audio-only, and Google says that the apps will make it “easy and safe” to quickly join scheduled meetings and conference calls from a vehicle’s display.
Read: Google Maps Demotes Gas Stations From EVs Running Android Auto
For those who need to get to that meeting in person, the Weather Channel app will soon be available in vehicles equipped with Google built-in. The new app will help drivers stay up to date on coming weather conditions with hourly forecasts, follow-me alerting, and “Trip View” radar to help drivers plan for a safe drive.
If a storm forces you to pull off the road and park, there will soon be more entertainment options for stopped vehicles. Google built-in is adding Prime Video on Google Play for select Renault, Polestar, and Volvo vehicles, with more to follow.
In addition, they will be able to surf the web with Vivaldi, a standalone Chromium-based browser that is already available in certain cars, and is now rolling out to more. The browser can help you surf the web if you aren’t in the mood for the latest episode of The Grand Tour.
Finally, Google says it is expanding support for digital car key, which allows drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle with their smartphone. Already available in many European countries, the key is now being rolled out on select Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia models in the U.S. Canada, and Korea for drivers with compatible devices like the Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung S23+, in case you can’t find a USB key.
