Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google started the public rollout of Android Auto 10 only a few days ago, but the company seems committed to delivering further updates promptly to all channels.
The search giant has shipped a new beta build to users enrolled in the testing ring, allowing them to try out the next improvements ahead of everybody else.
Android Auto 10.1 beta is available for download right now. Despite the Mountain View-based tech behemoth releasing the update to registered testers, anyone can download it using a simple trick.
The Android Auto 10.1 beta APK installer allows all users to download and install the new version. Download the APK file from this page, save it on your device, and launch the update by tapping the installer. The process requires special installation permissions, as Android does not allow app installation from third-party sources.
You won't have to remove your device's existing Android Auto version, as simply installing the latest build automatically replaces the old files.
Android Auto 10.1 beta comes without a changelog, so it's impossible to tell whether it includes significant changes. The search giant has most likely focused on improvements under the hood, as Android Auto needs further refinements to work smoother on specific devices.
Android Auto 10 didn't bring any substantial updates either. The only notable difference from the previous releases was a new Google Assistant animation appearing when the assistant was waiting for voice input. Android Auto 10.1 could enable the new experience for all users, though I still don't see the animation on my device, so Google likely continues the testing phase.
In the meantime, Google appears to near the Coolwalk rollout completion, as most Android Auto users have already received the new interface. Google announced Coolwalk in January, and since then, it's been enabling the update for Android Auto users in stages. The phased rollout allows the search giant to collect additional reliability data, eventually suspending the rollout should something go wrong.
Coolwalk allows users to run multiple apps side-by-side on the same screen regardless of display size, resolution, and aspect ratio. Like the CarPlay Dashboard, Coolwalk uses cards to divide the layout into a multi-app interface. Navigation apps use the largest card, whereas the rest of the interface ee to audio apps and phone calls. Portrait screens also display a weather card, showing the current temperature on the dashboard screen. Google is already exploring ways to bring weather information to all displays.
Google enables Coolwalk automatically for Android Auto users, so if the new interface isn't available in your car, you must wait for the search giant to activate it. Installing the latest Android Auto update does not enable Coolwalk on your device, so don't install version 10.1 with this goal in mind.
Android Auto 10.1 beta is available for download right now. Despite the Mountain View-based tech behemoth releasing the update to registered testers, anyone can download it using a simple trick.
The Android Auto 10.1 beta APK installer allows all users to download and install the new version. Download the APK file from this page, save it on your device, and launch the update by tapping the installer. The process requires special installation permissions, as Android does not allow app installation from third-party sources.
You won't have to remove your device's existing Android Auto version, as simply installing the latest build automatically replaces the old files.
Android Auto 10.1 beta comes without a changelog, so it's impossible to tell whether it includes significant changes. The search giant has most likely focused on improvements under the hood, as Android Auto needs further refinements to work smoother on specific devices.
Android Auto 10 didn't bring any substantial updates either. The only notable difference from the previous releases was a new Google Assistant animation appearing when the assistant was waiting for voice input. Android Auto 10.1 could enable the new experience for all users, though I still don't see the animation on my device, so Google likely continues the testing phase.
In the meantime, Google appears to near the Coolwalk rollout completion, as most Android Auto users have already received the new interface. Google announced Coolwalk in January, and since then, it's been enabling the update for Android Auto users in stages. The phased rollout allows the search giant to collect additional reliability data, eventually suspending the rollout should something go wrong.
Coolwalk allows users to run multiple apps side-by-side on the same screen regardless of display size, resolution, and aspect ratio. Like the CarPlay Dashboard, Coolwalk uses cards to divide the layout into a multi-app interface. Navigation apps use the largest card, whereas the rest of the interface ee to audio apps and phone calls. Portrait screens also display a weather card, showing the current temperature on the dashboard screen. Google is already exploring ways to bring weather information to all displays.
Google enables Coolwalk automatically for Android Auto users, so if the new interface isn't available in your car, you must wait for the search giant to activate it. Installing the latest Android Auto update does not enable Coolwalk on your device, so don't install version 10.1 with this goal in mind.
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