autoevolution
 

Google Will Soon Let Android Users Play YouTube Videos on Car Displays

If for some reason, you want to watch YouTube or Netflix on your car display, Google doesn’t officially offer such capabilities. Android Auto, for example, doesn’t support video apps, and it’s all for good motive.
The cast app demoed by Google 17 photos
Photo: Google via AndroidCentral
Android Auto for phonesAndroid Auto for phonesAndroid Auto for phonesAndroid Auto for phonesAndroid Auto for phonesAndroid Auto interfaceAndroid Auto interfaceAndroid Auto interfaceAndroid Auto interfaceAndroid Auto interfaceAndroid Automotive in Polestar 2Driving mode dashboard viewDriving mode dashboard viewDriving mode dashboard viewDriving mode dashboard viewDriving mode dashboard view
Such content substantially increases the distraction behind the wheel, so by blocking all video apps from the very beginning is one very efficient way to tackle the problem.

Indeed, watching a short YouTube video or an episode of your favorite Netflix show while waiting to pick up the kids from school could make sense when parked, but for the time being, Google just prefers to keep such content away from the displays in our cars.

Not for long, though, as the Mountain View-based search giant is preparing to bring casting to Android devices and car displays.

Announced at Google I/O 2022 today, the new casting feature (which will also support Chromebooks) will allow users to load a video on their Android devices and then play it on the displays in their cars.

At first glance, it doesn’t look like watching the actual video will be possible, as Google will most likely restrict the casting to audio-only for obvious reasons. There’s a chance, however, that the feature would be fully unlocked with access to video when the vehicle is not in motion.

YouTube will almost certainly be supported, as Google presented a photo showing an online video playing on a car display.

On the other hand, what we don’t know is who’s getting the new feature and who isn’t. The company hasn’t provided any specifics on this front, but most likely, it’ll require new car models possibly featuring special hardware to allow the casting.

The search giant also hasn’t shared additional information as to when the new feature could become available for users out there. Most likely, it’ll be part of the next major Android update, which is scheduled to see the daylight later this year.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories