Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Installing the latest Android Auto versions is highly recommended for users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest improvements and fixes, but this time, the most recent releases seem to cause an unexpected audio issue.
Reports reaching the web this week reveal that triggering Google Assistant on Android Auto affects the audio quality in the car, including in apps like Google Maps but also in music streaming apps like YouTube Music and Spotify.
The Google app on Android Auto powers Google Assistant, so the app is typically responsible for the bugs users come across with voice commands. However, this isn't the case this time, as users confirmed that the glitch happens after the latest Android Auto updates.
The issue occurs in Android Auto 10.2 and 10.3 – the latter is the most recent stable version, with Google recently rolling out version 10.4 beta; a new stable update should follow shortly, likely next week. Users claim the latest beta doesn't fix the bug.
The bad audio quality glitch does not affect all Android Auto devices, but I'm seeing an increasing number of reports from people coming across this behavior after installing the latest updates.
The easiest workaround appears to be a downgrade to an earlier Android Auto version. Someone explains on Google's forums that Android Auto 10.1 works correctly, with the audio quality not impacted by the launch of Google Assistant. The workaround also suggests that Android Auto is responsible for the glitch, as users claim that sticking with the latest Google app version but still downgrading Android Auto restores the expected behavior.
Google has yet to acknowledge the problem, but a member of the Android Auto team asked for more information about the error. It's too early to tell when a fix could ship.
It isn't the first time Google Assistant has misbehaved on Android Auto, as the voice command integration often stops working. Most recently, users ended up struggling with an error reading "voice commands are not available right now," with the functionality broken down in all apps, including Google Maps and Spotify. The most recent Google app update was the culprit, so downgrading to an earlier build restored the expected behavior.
Android Auto voice commands are integral to the experience behind the wheel, as they allow the driver to focus on the road while also letting them interact with the apps on the screen. Google Assistant supports the most common apps, including Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, and others. Users can set up navigation, play a specific song, make a phone call, and respond to a message without touching the screen.
If you haven't yet updated to the latest Android Auto version and are not eager to get the newest build, you'd better wait for this issue to get a patch.
The Google app on Android Auto powers Google Assistant, so the app is typically responsible for the bugs users come across with voice commands. However, this isn't the case this time, as users confirmed that the glitch happens after the latest Android Auto updates.
The issue occurs in Android Auto 10.2 and 10.3 – the latter is the most recent stable version, with Google recently rolling out version 10.4 beta; a new stable update should follow shortly, likely next week. Users claim the latest beta doesn't fix the bug.
The bad audio quality glitch does not affect all Android Auto devices, but I'm seeing an increasing number of reports from people coming across this behavior after installing the latest updates.
The easiest workaround appears to be a downgrade to an earlier Android Auto version. Someone explains on Google's forums that Android Auto 10.1 works correctly, with the audio quality not impacted by the launch of Google Assistant. The workaround also suggests that Android Auto is responsible for the glitch, as users claim that sticking with the latest Google app version but still downgrading Android Auto restores the expected behavior.
Google has yet to acknowledge the problem, but a member of the Android Auto team asked for more information about the error. It's too early to tell when a fix could ship.
It isn't the first time Google Assistant has misbehaved on Android Auto, as the voice command integration often stops working. Most recently, users ended up struggling with an error reading "voice commands are not available right now," with the functionality broken down in all apps, including Google Maps and Spotify. The most recent Google app update was the culprit, so downgrading to an earlier build restored the expected behavior.
Android Auto voice commands are integral to the experience behind the wheel, as they allow the driver to focus on the road while also letting them interact with the apps on the screen. Google Assistant supports the most common apps, including Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, and others. Users can set up navigation, play a specific song, make a phone call, and respond to a message without touching the screen.
If you haven't yet updated to the latest Android Auto version and are not eager to get the newest build, you'd better wait for this issue to get a patch.
Google News