Several new updates for vehicles compatible with Android Auto and Google built-in have been launched by Google to enhance entertainment safety and navigation for drivers and passengers. The tech giant estimates that the redesigned Android Auto will be available in nearly 200 million cars by the end of 2022 and will bring “the best of your phone into your car”.
With the number of vehicles with Google built-in – including Chevrolet, Honda, Polestar, Renault and Volvo models – estimated to nearly double by the end of the year, Google has announced it will continue to focus app updates and launches that enhance the entertainment and communication experience.
To foster productivity on the go, the technology company has worked with its partners to bring Microsoft Teams, Webex by Cisco and Zoom to vehicles. The YouTube app is now also available for OEMs to offer in their models with Google built-in. To date, Polestar, Volvo Cars and others have committed to bring the application to vehicles via over-the-air updates.
Other changes include the introduction of GameSnacks for cars with Google built-in, to cater for the almost 1,000,000 gamers per month on the platform. Additional updates include Google Assistant sharing smart suggestions to enable responses to messages – a feature which will come to vehicles with Google built-in over the coming months.
With the Waze navigation app already available on Android Auto, the tech business will now roll out the map application on the Google Play Store for all cars with Google built-in. Google has also developed additional EV-specific features for Google Maps for cars with Google built-in, and is now rolling out EV capabilities through Waze to enables users to look for EV charging stations that fit their specific EV plug and which are near the driver’s location or along their route.
