Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google has quietly started rolling out a new Android Auto version, with the first users getting the update through the Google Play Store today.
Android Auto 11.4 comes without a changelog, though this is hardly a surprise. New Android Auto builds ship with two-year-old release notes, as Google typically publishes new announcements only when big features roll out.
However, the update is still expected to bring important bug fixes and performance improvements, as Google is working on several new features that should start rolling out this year.
One of the biggest new features is the support for AI-powered message summaries. Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence in Android Auto, users no longer have to listen to long messages and busy conversations, letting Google Assistant read everything and create a summary that includes only the essential tidbits.
Google is also working on other refinements to create more consistency between Android Auto and Android devices. The search giant will allow the stock icon design on Samsung phones and the wallpaper to roam between devices, allowing the same settings to be available on Android Auto. For now, the feature only supports Samsung phones, but Google could expand it to more Android OEMs this year.
Meanwhile, the new Android Auto 11.4 is rolling out to users in stages through the Google Play Store. Only a small set of users get the update today, with the availability to increase gradually as Google determines its reliability. The rollout typically takes several weeks to complete, but anyone can install the latest update manually using a process called sideloading.
Users must download the stand-alone Android Auto 11.4 APK installer and save it on their devices. The next step involves browsing to the file's location and tapping the installer to begin the update. Users must also grant special permissions depending on the device's configuration, as Android doesn't allow sideloading out of the box. The process typically completes in seconds and doesn't require manually removing the existing Android Auto version.
Google says the adoption of Android Auto keeps growing, with the app already available in over 200 million vehicles. Android Auto wireless is also becoming more common as more carmakers offer the no-cord experience. However, Android Auto wired users can also ditch cables with a wireless adapter.
The Android Auto wireless adapter market has skyrocketed in the last couple of years. AAWireless invented this product category, with Motorola making it more mainstream with the debut of MA1. The market now includes many other wireless adapters, including from generic Chinese brands selling similar devices at lower prices. However, AAWireless and Motorola MA1 are still considered the most stable and reliable, especially because they come with long-term support and firmware updates.
However, the update is still expected to bring important bug fixes and performance improvements, as Google is working on several new features that should start rolling out this year.
One of the biggest new features is the support for AI-powered message summaries. Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence in Android Auto, users no longer have to listen to long messages and busy conversations, letting Google Assistant read everything and create a summary that includes only the essential tidbits.
Google is also working on other refinements to create more consistency between Android Auto and Android devices. The search giant will allow the stock icon design on Samsung phones and the wallpaper to roam between devices, allowing the same settings to be available on Android Auto. For now, the feature only supports Samsung phones, but Google could expand it to more Android OEMs this year.
Meanwhile, the new Android Auto 11.4 is rolling out to users in stages through the Google Play Store. Only a small set of users get the update today, with the availability to increase gradually as Google determines its reliability. The rollout typically takes several weeks to complete, but anyone can install the latest update manually using a process called sideloading.
Users must download the stand-alone Android Auto 11.4 APK installer and save it on their devices. The next step involves browsing to the file's location and tapping the installer to begin the update. Users must also grant special permissions depending on the device's configuration, as Android doesn't allow sideloading out of the box. The process typically completes in seconds and doesn't require manually removing the existing Android Auto version.
Google says the adoption of Android Auto keeps growing, with the app already available in over 200 million vehicles. Android Auto wireless is also becoming more common as more carmakers offer the no-cord experience. However, Android Auto wired users can also ditch cables with a wireless adapter.
The Android Auto wireless adapter market has skyrocketed in the last couple of years. AAWireless invented this product category, with Motorola making it more mainstream with the debut of MA1. The market now includes many other wireless adapters, including from generic Chinese brands selling similar devices at lower prices. However, AAWireless and Motorola MA1 are still considered the most stable and reliable, especially because they come with long-term support and firmware updates.
Google News