Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Android Auto 11.2 landed in the beta program earlier this week, but Google needed only a few days to promote it to the stable channel.
As a result, the new version is now available for download for all Android users, though the only way to get it without waiting is with the stand-alone APK installer.
Android Auto updates roll out through the Google Play Store in stages, meaning some users get it earlier than others. While the first users could get the update today, others will have to wait up to several weeks to receive the new version.
The manual download allows Android users to update Android Auto to version 11.2 through sideloading. The process involves downloading the APK installer and manually initiating the update on the device.
The first step involves downloading the Android Auto 11.2 APK file. After the download is complete and the file is saved on your smartphone, you must browse to its location using a file manager. If you own a Samsung phone, you can use the native app (called My Files) to navigate to the APK installer's location.
Next, you must tap the APK installer. You'll see a message prompting you to unlock the installation of apps from third-party sources, as Android only allows app installation from the Google Play Store in the default configuration. Once you allow the sideloading, the process should be completed in seconds.
No other steps are involved, as you don't need to remove the existing Android Auto installation.
The first question on everyone's lips when hearing about a new Android Auto version is what's new in the fresh release. Unfortunately, Google never shares such information, and the changelog bundled with Android Auto updates is always the same, mentioning changes introduced more than one year ago.
However, if you're one of the chosen ones (considering the phased rollout), you could get support for synchronizing the phone's stock icon pack, the mobile device's wallpaper, and a new Google Assistant animation. Google wants to make the interaction with the digital assistant more seamless, so it has redesigned the animation triggered when you send a voice command.
Instead of a popup that eats up valuable screen space, the new animation uses the dock located at the bottom of the screen or on the side (for vertical setups). The feature has already been enabled for some users, but it's not tied to an Android Auto update. Google gradually activates the change using a server-controlled process, but I expect the new feature to go live for everyone in the coming weeks. Updating to Android Auto 11.2 doesn't guarantee you'll get the new visual feedback for Google Assistant faster.
As always, if you notice a notable change in Android Auto version 11.2, make sure you share it with us using the comment box after the jump.
Android Auto updates roll out through the Google Play Store in stages, meaning some users get it earlier than others. While the first users could get the update today, others will have to wait up to several weeks to receive the new version.
The manual download allows Android users to update Android Auto to version 11.2 through sideloading. The process involves downloading the APK installer and manually initiating the update on the device.
The first step involves downloading the Android Auto 11.2 APK file. After the download is complete and the file is saved on your smartphone, you must browse to its location using a file manager. If you own a Samsung phone, you can use the native app (called My Files) to navigate to the APK installer's location.
Next, you must tap the APK installer. You'll see a message prompting you to unlock the installation of apps from third-party sources, as Android only allows app installation from the Google Play Store in the default configuration. Once you allow the sideloading, the process should be completed in seconds.
No other steps are involved, as you don't need to remove the existing Android Auto installation.
The first question on everyone's lips when hearing about a new Android Auto version is what's new in the fresh release. Unfortunately, Google never shares such information, and the changelog bundled with Android Auto updates is always the same, mentioning changes introduced more than one year ago.
However, if you're one of the chosen ones (considering the phased rollout), you could get support for synchronizing the phone's stock icon pack, the mobile device's wallpaper, and a new Google Assistant animation. Google wants to make the interaction with the digital assistant more seamless, so it has redesigned the animation triggered when you send a voice command.
Instead of a popup that eats up valuable screen space, the new animation uses the dock located at the bottom of the screen or on the side (for vertical setups). The feature has already been enabled for some users, but it's not tied to an Android Auto update. Google gradually activates the change using a server-controlled process, but I expect the new feature to go live for everyone in the coming weeks. Updating to Android Auto 11.2 doesn't guarantee you'll get the new visual feedback for Google Assistant faster.
As always, if you notice a notable change in Android Auto version 11.2, make sure you share it with us using the comment box after the jump.
Google News