- A handful of new features are coming to vehicles with Android Auto and Google built-in.
- In the coming months, owners will be able to cast videos from their smartphone onto the vehicle’s display.
- Support for games, videos, and internet browsers is coming to Android Auto.
Google I/O was largely focused on artificial intelligence, but the company has announced a few automotive-related updates. First and foremost, Google built-in continues to spread as it can be found in the new Acura ZDX, Honda Prologue, and Ford Explorer.
Nearly 40 vehicles now have Google built-in, while over 200 million support Android Auto. Those numbers will continue to grow and the tech giant is improving their capabilities. In particular, the Uber Driver app is now available on Android Auto and this enables drivers to “accept rides and deliveries, and get turn-by-turn directions on a bigger screen.”
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Google also announced Android Auto will soon support games, videos, and even internet browsers. This promises to deliver a more immersive experience, similar to what’s found on vehicles with Google built-in. The company also noted communication and weather apps are currently in beta.
On the Google built-in side, users can expect new apps and games including Angry Birds, Max, and Peacock. Vehicles are also slated to get Google Cast, which will enable people to cast videos from their smartphones or tablets onto in-car displays while parked. This feature will debut on Rivian vehicles in the coming months and will eventually spread to other models.
While games, browsers and weather apps are currently in beta for cars with Google built-in, the company noted communication features are coming soon. They didn’t elaborate, but mentioned messaging and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Speaking of apps, Google is working to “accelerate bringing mobile apps to cars with no additional work for developers.” As part of this effort, Google will “proactively review mobile apps that are already adaptive and large screen compatible to ensure safety and compatibility in cars” and they’ll automatically be opted in for distribution, if applicable. All of this can be done without changes or updates, so we can expect to find more apps in cars shortly.
Lastly, in an unusual automotive twist, Google launched a series of mini games to promote upcoming Android features. That isn’t unheard of, but the company partnered with the McLaren F1 Team to promote the games and even went as far as having Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri appear in a video for them.
