Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
A new Android Auto build is now available for download, bringing the app to version 11.2. However, today's build is only aimed at testers, being released with a beta tag for testing purposes before the stable sibling receives the go-ahead.
Android Auto 11.2 beta made its way to users enrolled in the testing program a couple of hours ago, but thanks to the stand-alone APK installer, anyone can take it for a spin.
Luckily, Android Auto 11.2 feels very refined, so I don't think it'll take more than a few days until Google promotes it to the stable channel. I installed it on a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra running the latest One UI version on Android 14, and I didn't encounter any glitches. I run the app wirelessly.
A changelog is not available, but this isn't a surprise. The release notes bundled with new Android Auto updates are nearly two years old, as Google doesn't think adding "what's new" information is worth the time.
However, Android Auto 11.2 likely focuses on under-the-hood refinements, with no big changes seemingly introduced.
The option to summarize messages using AI debuted in Android Auto 11.1 for some users, but it's still unavailable on my device. Google might be rolling out the feature in stages using a server-controlled process, so it could take a while until it becomes available for everybody.
Meanwhile, Android Auto is getting a pack of great new features, including options to create more consistency between devices. Samsung phone owners will see the default icon pack on their mobile device mirrored to the infotainment screen when Android Auto loads. Google will also allow users to set the phone wallpaper as the Android Auto background. It's unclear if the features will also be enabled for other Android OEMs.
Android Auto is slowly but surely integrating more AI-powered features as Google's focus in this direction increases. AI will power the communication capabilities bundled with Android Auto, creating summaries of long messages or busy conversations in group chats. Users will be provided with relevant instant answers and options that make sense for the message they received.
For example, if someone asks you when you'll arrive at a destination, Android Auto will suggest an option to share the ETA via Google Maps. The option will appear on the screen integrated into the smart replies UI, so you'll only need a single tap to share your ETA with a contact.
Android Auto 11.2 beta can be downloaded on any device using the stand-alone APK installer. The process is simple and fast and doesn't require removing the existing Android Auto installation. However, remember that beta builds are pre-release software, meaning the likelihood of bugs is higher than in the case of stable updates.
Luckily, Android Auto 11.2 feels very refined, so I don't think it'll take more than a few days until Google promotes it to the stable channel. I installed it on a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra running the latest One UI version on Android 14, and I didn't encounter any glitches. I run the app wirelessly.
A changelog is not available, but this isn't a surprise. The release notes bundled with new Android Auto updates are nearly two years old, as Google doesn't think adding "what's new" information is worth the time.
However, Android Auto 11.2 likely focuses on under-the-hood refinements, with no big changes seemingly introduced.
The option to summarize messages using AI debuted in Android Auto 11.1 for some users, but it's still unavailable on my device. Google might be rolling out the feature in stages using a server-controlled process, so it could take a while until it becomes available for everybody.
Meanwhile, Android Auto is getting a pack of great new features, including options to create more consistency between devices. Samsung phone owners will see the default icon pack on their mobile device mirrored to the infotainment screen when Android Auto loads. Google will also allow users to set the phone wallpaper as the Android Auto background. It's unclear if the features will also be enabled for other Android OEMs.
Android Auto is slowly but surely integrating more AI-powered features as Google's focus in this direction increases. AI will power the communication capabilities bundled with Android Auto, creating summaries of long messages or busy conversations in group chats. Users will be provided with relevant instant answers and options that make sense for the message they received.
For example, if someone asks you when you'll arrive at a destination, Android Auto will suggest an option to share the ETA via Google Maps. The option will appear on the screen integrated into the smart replies UI, so you'll only need a single tap to share your ETA with a contact.
Android Auto 11.2 beta can be downloaded on any device using the stand-alone APK installer. The process is simple and fast and doesn't require removing the existing Android Auto installation. However, remember that beta builds are pre-release software, meaning the likelihood of bugs is higher than in the case of stable updates.
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