I am unable to look forward to Android Auto’s full redesign, with widgets, 3D maps, and Gemini

I’ve been checking my automotive’s dashboard after each Android Auto replace since May, hoping to see the redesign Google confirmed off at I/O.

At I/O, Google promised Android Auto a full-screen interface, real widgets, 3D maps, video while parked, and a smarter Gemini. Version 17.8 is rolling out now with none of it, in keeping with autoevolution, however Google nonetheless says these options arrive “later this year.” Here’s what’s coming, what’s already trickling out, and which telephones get left behind.

Android Auto set to fill your entire display

Material 3 Expressive hits the dashboard

As noted by 9to5Google, Android Auto ought to take over your full show, as an alternative of being caught in a field. In principle, Google Maps will run edge to edge beneath all of it. The app row ought to then change into a floating bar that sits on both the facet or backside of your show (relying in your automotive’s setup), and the app drawer slides in as an alternative of taking on the show.

In addition, your telephone’s wallpaper and fonts ought to carry over to your automotive, says Google, with smoother animations alongside as effectively. The firm additionally guarantees that Android Auto will match extra automotive screens of differing sizes.

Still, the final main overhaul (Coolwalk) didn’t get to most drivers even nine months after Google announced it, so take all the guarantees with a grain of salt.

It will likely be attention-grabbing to see the show develop down beneath the dock, although I’m uncertain if that can actually make a distinction.

Garage doorways, contacts, and climate at a faucet

We acquired very excited about widgets in Android Auto this previous May, however I’m not seeing them on my automotive display simply but. Google promised stuff like a widget for favourite contacts, a one-tap storage door opener (sure, please), and a strong climate overview widget. I like decluttering screens with informational widgets, so this needs to be an excellent replace when it arrives.

Apparently, code for an official widgets toggle is within the Android 17.8 beta, however that is not lively but on my telephone at the least.

Immersive Navigation turns Google Maps 3D

Some drivers have already got it

Google calls this its “greatest replace to Google Maps in over a decade,” including 3D buildings, overpasses, and terrain, plus highlighted lanes, visitors lights, and cease indicators. The update additionally brings extra pure voice steering and exhibits route tradeoffs like tolls versus visitors delays.

This began rolling out within the US in July, although you could not have it but, because it occurs through a server facet system. A fast test on my dashboard exhibits the 3D maps, so I’m hopeful I’ve the rest of the features as well, so I’ll give it a deeper test quickly.

Gemini will get smarter, however not on each telephone

Magic Cue might change a variety of tapping

Gemini replaced Google Assistant in Android Auto again in November of final 12 months, despite the fact that you continue to say “Hey, Google” to get it going. Magic Cue is about to tug context out of your texts, emails, and calendar to reply questions earlier than it’s important to dig for solutions, letting you say issues like “Order my normal fish tacos on DoorDash for pickup, however double the order.”

The solely catch right here is that Gemini Intelligence needs a flagship chip and at least 12GB of RAM to energy Gemini Nano v3, which guidelines out my older Pixel 9. Newer gadgets, just like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 will work with it simply positive, although.

YouTube involves your dashboard whilst you’re parked

And Dolby Atmos is headed your method, too

With this fancy function, you may get full HD video at 60fps in apps like YouTube, however it’s important to be parked for it to work. It will swap to audio-only when you begin driving, in order that’s a pleasant plus. You have to be operating Android 17 or larger, plus it’s important to have a appropriate automotive. My 2022 Nissan Leaf is not a kind of, so I’m out of luck. Launch manufacturers embrace BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and hopefully we’ll see it “later this 12 months.”

More to my liking, Dolby Atmos and spatial audio head to Android auto, although this, too, is just in supported manufacturers as above. Plus, there is a redesigned YouTube Music and Spotify gamers that ought to look extra like their cell counterparts.

Worth the wait, if Google delivers this 12 months

So far, the one function right here that is possible reached most of us is Immersive Navigation, and even 17.8 does not have the total redesign. You’ll must preserve Android Auto and Google Maps up to date through the Play Store since updates roll out in levels. Ultimately, the widgets and full-screen layouts would be the greatest, most instantly recognizable adjustments, although watching YouTube whereas ready and parked could possibly be a enjoyable game-changer as effectively. Time will inform as all of us preserve refreshing out updates and hoping for one of the best, proper?