I tried the redesigned Android Auto interface and it’s actually good now

Source Domain: www.makeuseof.com

Whether you use Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or something else usually comes down to which car and phone model you own — and if they play nice together. I own a Tesla, and that (unfortunately) means I can’t use Android Auto or CarPlay without janky third-party solutions. Every once in a while, I get to try Android Auto while borrowing cars or participating in demos, and it’s interesting to see how far the user interface has come. Most recently, I tried the new-look Android Auto experience at last year’s Google I/O developer showcase, complete with the Gemini virtual assistant and a fresh media player interface.

Although we’re already gearing up for this year’s Google I/O event, some features have just recently made their way to Android Auto users. Gemini, for instance, began rolling out to Android Auto drivers at the end of last year. However, it proved to be a slow rollout that finally picked up the pace last month. The redesigned media player UI debuted earlier this year as part of the Android Auto 16 release. So, if you’re just now seeing the Gemini assistant or the new media controls in Android Auto, that’s a good thing — the changes are an upgrade over the Google Assistant and put important controls within the driver’s reach.