Google’s split-screen Android Auto revamp is rolling out now

After a long delay, Google’s major Android Auto overhaul is finally here. This new version of Android Auto focuses on a new split-screen interface. This is much more flexible than the old rock solid Android Auto display. The update was first shown at Google I/O and promised for summer 2022, but somehow got pushed to CES 2023. Car apps have many safety regulations that need to be passed.

Android Auto is an app that sits on your smartphone and sends a custom interface (wireless or wired) to your compatible car dashboard. Unlike regular Android, which can scale to displays of any size or shape, Android Auto was originally designed strictly around a horizontal 16:9 display. Over the years it’s been updated and a bit more flexible, but I’ve always wanted to live in this horizontal widescreen configuration. . Cars like the Volvo XC90 had a large 4:3 iPad-style screen in the center console, with Android Auto displayed in a small window in the center of the screen. Some manufacturers added letterboxing or pillarboxing. Apple’s CarPlay received a similar flexibility update in iOS 13.

Unlike older versions, the split screen interface should be able to adapt to any rectangular screen. It has three components: a navigation bar, the main app interface, and a small sidebar section that can display one or two additional widgets. All of these can be configured in any way that suits the shape of your screen. The navigation bar can be positioned on the right or bottom. The main app interface can be placed next to the sidebar section or stacked on top of it. Sidebars can be tall vertical strips or thin horizontal strips. Some configurations work.

Sidebar is the most interesting new addition to Android Auto. It looks like it works just like Android’s notification bar, but it’s oversized for cars. You can view controls for the currently playing media or media suggestions. You can switch to split screen mode and see the latest notifications in the top item. This could be an incoming text message, the option to share your arrival time, or the weather.

Some of these options come from the new Google Assistant’s Smart Suggestions, which include “missed call reminders, quick arrival time sharing, and instant access to music and podcasts.” , replying to messages and calling your favorite contacts faster.”

Google is also adding a seekable process bar for Android Auto’s Music and Podcasts apps. This automatically applies to all Android Auto media apps. Android Auto’s automotive safety regulations prevent app developers from doing things like user interface design. Google has pre-built media interfaces that Spotify, YouTube Music, and all other media apps should use. Choose from media streams, branding colors, and several button options. This prebuilt interface has been updated so all apps get it automatically.

App updates are rolling out now, but it’s unclear if existing cars with larger screens will need to be updated to support this new car configuration.