Android Auto, Google’s solution to providing a driver-friendly interface on a car’s head unit, is set to get a design overhaul. This design overhaul will incorporate elements of Google’s Material Theme and come with a new dark theme.
Update 7/30, 12:00 PM/CT: The new design is now officially rolling out.
As soon as you start your car, Android Auto will continue playing your media and open your navigation app of choice. There will be a new navigation bar that lets you control your music, take incoming calls, or see turn-by-turn directions while being in a different app. No more being locked into one app anymore!
Earlier, notifications were a part of the launcher. Now, there will be a new, separate notification center that shows recent calls, messages, and alerts. The launcher will be more like Apple’s CarPlay, listing all the compatible apps. Google is also making the UI darker with accent colors and more readable fonts.
These changes will be rolling out later this summer and will roll out to all Android Auto compatible cars.
Update 7/30, 12:00 PM/CT:Â In a new blog post today, Google announced that the new Android Auto redesign is rolling out now over the next few weeks. Users on Reddit are also reporting that they are receiving the update on their car’s head units.
These new changes will not be reflected in Android Auto for your phone, however. Android Auto on the phone will be replaced with the Assistant’s upcoming driving mode.
End of Update
