Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Android Auto certainly keeps Google busy, as the application throws all kinds of issues at the search giant, making it impossible to ensure a continuously reliable experience.
Let's be honest about it: Android Auto is far from the reliable and stable application that we need in our cars, and given the plethora of bugs, the only thing we can do is report the unusual behavior to Google, hoping it'd develop patches.
The most recent issue nobody can explain affects the world's number one messaging app. WhatsApp, which everybody uses to send messages and call contacts over the Internet, no longer feels at home on Android Auto. The audio messages users receive are no longer read correctly, despite Google Assistant claiming it starts playing the received message.
Someone explains on Google's forums that once they receive an audio message on WhatsApp, Google Assistant tells them that someone "sent an audio voice only," asking if they'd like to reply. Theoretically, this is where Google Assistant should play the audio message, allowing users to listen to it before sending a reply.
However, Google Assistant directly starts listening to listen to a reply without playing the received message.
Another user explains that everything works correctly if Android Auto is not running on the infotainment screen, and this could be a suggestion that Google's app is to blame for the issue.
Unfortunately, users couldn't find a workaround, which is a major concern, given that WhatsApp is the world's number one mobile messaging app. According to the latest statistics, WhatsApp has approximately three billion monthly active users, and you can imagine that many also run Android Auto in their cars, leaving them struggling with this inexplicable problem.
If you believe Google Assistant or Android Auto are the culprits, the easiest workaround is to downgrade to an earlier release. If you return to an older version, you should eliminate a bug introduced in the latest update. If the problem is still there, it could be a sign that a recent Android Auto or Google app update is not at fault for the glitch, and Google should investigate in a different place. Some say Android 14 might be the culprit, as the glitch did not happen before installing Google's latest operating system version. Downgrading to Android 13 isn't very straightforward and convenient, and it's unclear if it helps deal with the issue.
The search giant has already asked for more information about the bug, but it's unclear if an investigation has started. However, if you encounter the same problem and find a fix, let me know in the comment box after the jump. The number of users struggling with the same behavior is growing, so your fix could help many people who can't listen to WhatsApp audio messages while using Android Auto.
The most recent issue nobody can explain affects the world's number one messaging app. WhatsApp, which everybody uses to send messages and call contacts over the Internet, no longer feels at home on Android Auto. The audio messages users receive are no longer read correctly, despite Google Assistant claiming it starts playing the received message.
Someone explains on Google's forums that once they receive an audio message on WhatsApp, Google Assistant tells them that someone "sent an audio voice only," asking if they'd like to reply. Theoretically, this is where Google Assistant should play the audio message, allowing users to listen to it before sending a reply.
However, Google Assistant directly starts listening to listen to a reply without playing the received message.
Another user explains that everything works correctly if Android Auto is not running on the infotainment screen, and this could be a suggestion that Google's app is to blame for the issue.
Unfortunately, users couldn't find a workaround, which is a major concern, given that WhatsApp is the world's number one mobile messaging app. According to the latest statistics, WhatsApp has approximately three billion monthly active users, and you can imagine that many also run Android Auto in their cars, leaving them struggling with this inexplicable problem.
If you believe Google Assistant or Android Auto are the culprits, the easiest workaround is to downgrade to an earlier release. If you return to an older version, you should eliminate a bug introduced in the latest update. If the problem is still there, it could be a sign that a recent Android Auto or Google app update is not at fault for the glitch, and Google should investigate in a different place. Some say Android 14 might be the culprit, as the glitch did not happen before installing Google's latest operating system version. Downgrading to Android 13 isn't very straightforward and convenient, and it's unclear if it helps deal with the issue.
The search giant has already asked for more information about the bug, but it's unclear if an investigation has started. However, if you encounter the same problem and find a fix, let me know in the comment box after the jump. The number of users struggling with the same behavior is growing, so your fix could help many people who can't listen to WhatsApp audio messages while using Android Auto.
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