This Is the New Google Maps for Android Auto

The "new" Google Maps is here, as the search giant has started rolling out an improved UI for the navigation app when running on an Android device connected to an Android Auto head unit.

Google has been working on polishing the Google Maps interface on Android Auto for quite some time, but it now looks like the company managed to complete the update. Everything is neatly coming together, with Google Maps now looking cleaner and more modern when running on Android Auto.

The floating panel at the bottom of the screen uses new iconography, highlighting the essential information, including the time left to the destination, in a more obvious manner. The sidebar, which includes easy access to settings and alerts, aligns with the new design and the zoom in and out button in the lower left corner.

Overall, Google Maps feels like a completely new application thanks to these visual refinements, especially when running the app on larger screens.

The new interface doesn’t seem tied to a specific app update, as I'm seeing reports that the update might be powered by a server-side switch. However, you should still keep the app and Android Auto up-to-date.

Meanwhile, Google is also rolling out plenty of other goodies for Google Maps users. Not long ago, the company announced an expansion of eco-friendly routes, bringing this feature to users in India. Eco-friendly routes are offered as alternatives to the fastest routes, allowing users to navigate to their destinations with an increased focus on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

The new feature considers more factors when calculating new routes, including the road incline and traffic conditions. As a result, it looks for routes that reduce the fuel consumption and the vehicle emissions. Google says it works like a treat, as the application helped reduce emissions by the equivalent of taking half a million cars off the road.

Google Maps is also getting Immersive View for routes in a number of locations. With this tool, Google Maps allows users to preview their routes in a multidimensional view that includes street-level imagery and satellite data. Google Maps merges all images for a realistic world simulation so drivers can get familiar with every turn before they begin driving.

The search giant has remained tight-lipped on the Android Auto redesign, but the company could release an announcement in the coming weeks as the rollout gains more pace. Not everybody sees the new UI today, but the availability should increase gradually, likely as the company completes the testing phase and is ready to bring the UI to the entire user base.