Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google has just released a new beta build of Android Auto, letting users test the next stable release before it makes its way to the production channel.
Android Auto 10.4 beta is available for download through the Google Play Store for users enrolled in Google's testing program. However, you can also download the new testing version manually (without being part of the beta program) using the stand-alone APK installer.
The process is simple and starts with the manual download of Android Auto 10.4. The update ships as an APK installer, so you must download the file to your device.
You should find the process similar if you're familiar with how installers work on a Windows computer. You browse to the file location, tap it, and then follow the on-screen prompts. However, one key step is granting the necessary permissions, as Android blocks the installation of apps from non-Google Play Store sources in the default configuration.
You must allow the installation process to complete by following the instructions on the screen, as otherwise, Android blocks the process automatically.
The process should complete in a few seconds, and you don't need to remove the existing Android Auto version from your device. The new files replace the old versions automatically.
Android Auto 10.4 beta comes without a changelog, but this is no longer surprising. Google rarely provides release information for Android Auto updates, so the only way to determine what's new is to install the update on your device.
Google has most likely focused on fixing bugs and refining the Android Auto performance, so if you've previously encountered a major glitch, install this beta to see if it's still there.
Here comes the obligatory warning.
Downloading and installing Android Auto 10.4 beta is not recommended unless you're a power user. Beta builds come with an increased likelihood of issues, given they're not part of the stable channel, and they are specifically aimed at testers who want to take pre-release updates for a spin. These users can contribute with feedback, helping Google find bugs and resolve potential problems before kicking off the production rollout to all devices.
If no major bug is found, Google should promote Android Auto 10.4 to the stable channel by mid-September.
Meanwhile, Google is already known to be working on several Android Auto changes, including a new animation when launching Google Assistant. Users first spotted the new visual effect in Android Auto 10, but Google is still working on additional polishing, so the broad availability is yet to be reached. Android Auto 10.4 beta doesn't enable the new animation on my device, so I guess the company needs more time to get everything right before enabling it for all devices.
As always, if you spot anything new in Android Auto 10.4, don’t forget to drop us a line in the comment box below.
The process is simple and starts with the manual download of Android Auto 10.4. The update ships as an APK installer, so you must download the file to your device.
You should find the process similar if you're familiar with how installers work on a Windows computer. You browse to the file location, tap it, and then follow the on-screen prompts. However, one key step is granting the necessary permissions, as Android blocks the installation of apps from non-Google Play Store sources in the default configuration.
You must allow the installation process to complete by following the instructions on the screen, as otherwise, Android blocks the process automatically.
The process should complete in a few seconds, and you don't need to remove the existing Android Auto version from your device. The new files replace the old versions automatically.
Android Auto 10.4 beta comes without a changelog, but this is no longer surprising. Google rarely provides release information for Android Auto updates, so the only way to determine what's new is to install the update on your device.
Google has most likely focused on fixing bugs and refining the Android Auto performance, so if you've previously encountered a major glitch, install this beta to see if it's still there.
Here comes the obligatory warning.
Downloading and installing Android Auto 10.4 beta is not recommended unless you're a power user. Beta builds come with an increased likelihood of issues, given they're not part of the stable channel, and they are specifically aimed at testers who want to take pre-release updates for a spin. These users can contribute with feedback, helping Google find bugs and resolve potential problems before kicking off the production rollout to all devices.
If no major bug is found, Google should promote Android Auto 10.4 to the stable channel by mid-September.
Meanwhile, Google is already known to be working on several Android Auto changes, including a new animation when launching Google Assistant. Users first spotted the new visual effect in Android Auto 10, but Google is still working on additional polishing, so the broad availability is yet to be reached. Android Auto 10.4 beta doesn't enable the new animation on my device, so I guess the company needs more time to get everything right before enabling it for all devices.
As always, if you spot anything new in Android Auto 10.4, don’t forget to drop us a line in the comment box below.
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