In practice, the most important information resulting from the announcement of the new version of Android Auto is that it can fix one of the biggest problems of car multimedia systems: voice control. All drivers using it know well how it currently works. It may be possible and with a little practice you can perform basic tasks, but it is often a very frustrating experience – especially when contact names or addresses come into play, which voice assistants often cannot handle.
In the new version of Android Auto Gemini is to be given a much greater rolean AI assistant from Google, thanks to which talking to the car's system will become more natural and hassle-free. Although we have heard such assurances many times, this time there is actually a chance to make them come true, because the use of artificial intelligence gives the system a much better understanding of the context, which should improve its usability – especially since the bar is not set too high.
Some of the most advanced improvements related to the new AI layer will be felt primarily by people using devices included in the Gemini Intelligence package, initially mainly selected Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel smartphones. One of the most interesting of them in the context of Android Auto may be the so-called Rambler, an update to dictation in the Google keyboard. It is supposed to make the phone better understands the intentions of the user dictating the text: cuts out unwanted inserts, recognizes corrections made during a sentence and can organize a chaotic statement into a ready-made message. This is not a function announced directly as part of Android Auto, but if you can use its benefits from Google's car system (and it would be strange if you couldn't), dictating longer messages without taking your eyes off the road and your hands from the steering wheel can finally become really useful.
There are more functions related to the wider use of Gemini in the car. Google demonstrated, among others: the ability to perform a task related to ordering food using a voice command. However, its functioning will depend heavily on the market, supported applications, the capabilities of your phone and, of course, whether a given service allows you to place this type of orders.
Voice ordering of food was shown as an example of Android Auto's close integration with Gemini.
Regardless of these limitations, the direction taken is clearly visible – enable the driver to talk to the car like an assistant, without the frustration familiar to people who tried to do it in older versions of this system. If this is successful and all these new features will also work in Polish, many drivers will be very happy about it, and Apple will have a hard time.
Read also: It's already certain – Siri will use AI from Google
Android Auto will allow you to watch videos while stopping
Another change that will certainly please many drivers is adding a video playback function on the car screen — in select cars and apps, even with Dolby Atmos audio support. For obvious security reasons the image will be streamed and displayed in full screen only during stopsbut when the car starts moving, it should disappear and only the sound should be played.
The new version of Android Auto will allow you to display full-screen video on the car's screen – but only when stationary.
Implementation details will depend on the specific car and application, and in the case of YouTube, also on the rules of the service itself, because playing sound in the background may require a YouTube Premium subscription. Surely However, it is something that many drivers who spend their mornings and afternoons in big city traffic jams look forward toas well as those who regularly wait in the car for passengers or charge their electric car.
New 3D map view
The new version of Android Auto brings too new 3D navigation view. This is not just a visual change, but also a very practical one. All drivers know how difficult it can be to decipher how to behave on an approaching overpass, multi-level intersection or a highway snail. More precise three-dimensional view, where exits, tunnels, viaducts and lane layout are more clearly visiblecan make navigating these situations much easier.
The new three-dimensional road view will make orientation at complex intersections much easier.
The question, of course, is how well Google has mapped such multi-level intersections and exits, because current two-dimensional Google Maps doesn't always do a good job of suggesting lanes and routing in less traveled places. However, this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Tighter integration with cars
Some of the announced changes will be particularly important for car owners in which Google services are integrated directly with vehicle systems. As an example of the benefits of this, Google cited, among others, a situation in which the system uses information provided by the car's front camerato determine exactly which lane the car is in and thus give more precise directions, for example at junctions.
Such tight integration may also mean that Gemini will use information about a specific car model and answer questions related to its functions or capabilities. As an example, Google gave the question “will the TV box fit in the trunk”, after which Gemini compares the dimensions of the box with the information it has about the car.
In cars where Google services are closely integrated with the system and sensors, the new version of Android AUto gains additional skills.
However, the scope of these possibilities will depend on the specific model and the manufacturer's decision, so not every driver will see all the new functions at the same time.
Easier to use and more functional interface
The new Android Auto is also expected more convenient for everyday use. Google announces a refreshed interface, better adaptation to various screen shapes and sizes, and widgets that will allow you to view the most important information without constantly switching between applications. Screens in new cars are getting bigger, wider and more unusual, so the system needs to make better use of available space, rather than treating each display as an enlarged version of a phone screen. If Google gets the readability issue right, the new Android Auto may not only be prettier, but also less tiring while driving.
New Android Auto: when and for whom
The new Android Auto looks promising and if at least some of the promises are reflected in reality, many drivers will breathe a sigh of relief. Google announces that new Android Auto features will be rolled out gradually over the course of the year, but Unfortunately, not all of them will be sent to every user immediately. Their availability will depend on your phone, supported applications, specific car model and the decision of its manufacturer. This applies especially to video support, Dolby Atmos, deeper integration with Gemini and functions prepared for cars with integrated Google services.
