Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google continues the work on Android Auto, and today the company shipped a new beta build to users enrolled in the testing program.
Android Auto 10.3 beta is therefore available for download, allowing users to try out the next release in advance.
In theory, Android Auto 10.3 beta is only aimed at users enrolled in the beta program. However, anyone can install it by downloading the stand-alone APK archive.
The file is available online and lets users manually update to Android Auto 10.3 – keep in mind that this version is currently in the testing phase, so it comes with an increased likelihood of glitches; as a result, only experienced users should install it, and version 10.3 beta shouldn't serve as a daily driver just yet.
Most users are probably looking for a changelog, but Google has stopped offering release information for Android Auto updates. If you want to figure out what's new in this update, your only option is to install it and then look for changes.
I updated Android Auto on my phone to 10.3 beta, but I can't see any significant changes, so Google probably focused on smaller under-the-hood refinements and bug fixes.
However, it doesn't mean the search giant isn't working on significant improvements for Android Auto. Version 10.2 included evidence of a search feature in audio apps, such as Spotify and YouTube Music, finally allowing users to search for a song's name, album, or playlist.
The current version of Android Auto can only search for songs with a voice command, but the experience is far from flawless, considering the buggy Google Assistant integration. With typing support, users can manually type the name of a song or an artist in their favorite music app. The feature is only available when the vehicle is parked. Once it starts moving, Android Auto locks the typing experience, and the only way to search for songs is with a voice command.
The search option is rolling out in stages and doesn't seem to be tied to a specific Android Auto update. The feature is still unavailable on my device, and Android Auto 10.3 beta didn't produce any changes. I expect the availability of the new feature to improve in the coming weeks, but considering Google hasn't yet made an announcement, the company sticks with a slow release pace.
Android Auto 10.3 should reach the stable channel by the end of August if no major bug is found, but it all depends on the feedback received from testers. Google has significantly accelerated the update cycle for Android Auto, so we should see new beta and stable builds going live for users in just a few weeks, most likely with more under-the-hood refinements.
In theory, Android Auto 10.3 beta is only aimed at users enrolled in the beta program. However, anyone can install it by downloading the stand-alone APK archive.
The file is available online and lets users manually update to Android Auto 10.3 – keep in mind that this version is currently in the testing phase, so it comes with an increased likelihood of glitches; as a result, only experienced users should install it, and version 10.3 beta shouldn't serve as a daily driver just yet.
Most users are probably looking for a changelog, but Google has stopped offering release information for Android Auto updates. If you want to figure out what's new in this update, your only option is to install it and then look for changes.
I updated Android Auto on my phone to 10.3 beta, but I can't see any significant changes, so Google probably focused on smaller under-the-hood refinements and bug fixes.
However, it doesn't mean the search giant isn't working on significant improvements for Android Auto. Version 10.2 included evidence of a search feature in audio apps, such as Spotify and YouTube Music, finally allowing users to search for a song's name, album, or playlist.
The current version of Android Auto can only search for songs with a voice command, but the experience is far from flawless, considering the buggy Google Assistant integration. With typing support, users can manually type the name of a song or an artist in their favorite music app. The feature is only available when the vehicle is parked. Once it starts moving, Android Auto locks the typing experience, and the only way to search for songs is with a voice command.
The search option is rolling out in stages and doesn't seem to be tied to a specific Android Auto update. The feature is still unavailable on my device, and Android Auto 10.3 beta didn't produce any changes. I expect the availability of the new feature to improve in the coming weeks, but considering Google hasn't yet made an announcement, the company sticks with a slow release pace.
Android Auto 10.3 should reach the stable channel by the end of August if no major bug is found, but it all depends on the feedback received from testers. Google has significantly accelerated the update cycle for Android Auto, so we should see new beta and stable builds going live for users in just a few weeks, most likely with more under-the-hood refinements.
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