Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Android Auto updates land at a much faster pace than a few years ago, mostly thanks to the beta program that allows Google to finalize new builds with a reduced likelihood of bugs.
The company first ships new Android Auto updates to users enrolled in the testing program, and if no major bug is reported, the builds are promoted to the stable channel. Google seems to stick with a strategy that involves shipping more minor updates at a faster pace, eventually being able to resolve the reported glitches faster.
This isn't always the case, and long-time Android Auto users know this best, so we still have to live with a bug-ridden experience when connecting our Android phones to the car. However, keeping Android Auto up-to-date is still recommended, as the latest versions should bring more improvements and optimizations.
Android Auto 10.7 made its way to the stable channel only a few days after the beta build shipped to testers, so it's safe to assume it doesn't include too many changes. Google no longer shares changelogs for Android Auto updates, so we won't find what's new in version 10.7 unless we install it.
The rollout takes place through the Google Play Store, but the process can take anywhere from one day to several weeks. Google uses a phased rollout, meaning that it pushes the update to a limited set of users, collects reliability data, and, based on the results, accelerates the rollout. The general availability phase is typically reached in a few weeks.
If you want to download Android Auto 10.7 without waiting, you must use the stand-alone APK installer. Download the file and store it on your device. Using a file manager, browse to the location where you download the installer and tap it.
Android should prompt for permission to install apps from non-Google Play Store sources. The authorization is required because you bypass the default app installation policy, and when you're ready, you can proceed with the installation. The process takes only a few seconds, and afterward, you should already be running Android Auto 10.7. You can check for the version number in the Android Auto app to make sure you installed the latest build.
Meanwhile, it doesn't seem like Android Auto 10.7 brings any big changes. I still can't see the "disconnect" button when running the app wirelessly, so I guess Google needs more time to bring this feature to everybody. Android Auto 10.6 witnessed the debut of a new option that allows users to disconnect the wireless connection using a dedicated button in the notification center. However, the feature goes live in stages, and given Google has remained tight-lipped on its release, the only option is to wait until it shows up on your device.
This isn't always the case, and long-time Android Auto users know this best, so we still have to live with a bug-ridden experience when connecting our Android phones to the car. However, keeping Android Auto up-to-date is still recommended, as the latest versions should bring more improvements and optimizations.
Android Auto 10.7 made its way to the stable channel only a few days after the beta build shipped to testers, so it's safe to assume it doesn't include too many changes. Google no longer shares changelogs for Android Auto updates, so we won't find what's new in version 10.7 unless we install it.
The rollout takes place through the Google Play Store, but the process can take anywhere from one day to several weeks. Google uses a phased rollout, meaning that it pushes the update to a limited set of users, collects reliability data, and, based on the results, accelerates the rollout. The general availability phase is typically reached in a few weeks.
If you want to download Android Auto 10.7 without waiting, you must use the stand-alone APK installer. Download the file and store it on your device. Using a file manager, browse to the location where you download the installer and tap it.
Android should prompt for permission to install apps from non-Google Play Store sources. The authorization is required because you bypass the default app installation policy, and when you're ready, you can proceed with the installation. The process takes only a few seconds, and afterward, you should already be running Android Auto 10.7. You can check for the version number in the Android Auto app to make sure you installed the latest build.
Meanwhile, it doesn't seem like Android Auto 10.7 brings any big changes. I still can't see the "disconnect" button when running the app wirelessly, so I guess Google needs more time to bring this feature to everybody. Android Auto 10.6 witnessed the debut of a new option that allows users to disconnect the wireless connection using a dedicated button in the notification center. However, the feature goes live in stages, and given Google has remained tight-lipped on its release, the only option is to wait until it shows up on your device.
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