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Samsung Ships Android 11 Update, Android Auto Users Be Warned: Not a Smooth Ride

Samsung has officially started rolling out the Android 11 update to the first wave of devices, with the Galaxy Note20 series receiving it as we speak in certain regions.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 1 photo
Photo: Softpedia
Android 11 was initially announced earlier this year, and devices like Google’s own Pixel are already running it. Samsung was scheduled to ship the update to its phone lineup in December.

One of the biggest improvements for Android Auto in Android 11 is the fully unlocked wireless mode, which now supports pretty much any device running this OS version. In other words, it no longer matters what phone you’re using; as long as it runs Android 11 (and you have a compatible head unit in your car), wireless Android Auto should now be available.

Of course, this isn’t a breaking change for Samsung users, as the wireless mode of Android Auto was already supported on the phones launched by the South Korean company.

But on the other hand, what Samsung users need to know about the Android 11 update is that it’s more or less a rollercoaster ride in the world of Android Auto.

Android 11 caused several critical issues on Android Auto, some of them already fixed by Google in the latest patches, but others still there and affecting the experience behind the wheel.

For example, the audio was cutting out on Android 11 for many users, regardless of the media app that was used. Some were unable to make phone calls after installing this OS version, while Waze, which is right now one of the top navigation apps out there, struggled with GPS only after the update was completed.

Other users noticed the Calendar app was completely missing from Android Auto after installing Android 11, and the list of reported problems continues with broken voice commands, connectivity issues, and random freezing experienced on various devices.

Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean Android Auto is broken for everybody running Android 11. As said, Google has already fixed some of these issues, but right now, it’s pretty clear Android Auto on Android 11 is not a smooth ride.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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