Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Android Auto always feels like a work in progress because of two reasons. First, some of the features baked into the application feel unfinished, such as the voice command integration, leaving users hoping for more when interacting with Android Auto in the cars. Second, Google keeps releasing build after build, especially now that the beta testing program has gained traction.
The company has just shipped Android Auto 10.7 to beta testers, allowing users to try out the upcoming update before everybody else.
Android Auto 10.7 made its way to registered testers earlier today, but anyone can install it by downloading the stand-alone APK installer.
Users must first download and save the Android Auto 10.7 beta APK on their devices. When the download is complete, they must browse to the file's location and tap the installer. The process is straightforward and intuitive, showing all instructions on the screen.
The process might require special permissions to install apps from non-Google Play Store sources on Android devices with the default app installation policy. The step-by-step wizard will guide you through it, so the installation should be completed in about one minute.
Most people are interested in the changelog, but Google no longer provides such information for Android Auto updates. I installed the beta build on my Samsung earlier today but couldn't notice any change during a 30-minute drive this morning.
Chances are the search giant focused on improvements under the hood, so if you previously encountered a glitch that broke down Android Auto, install this new build and see if the problem is still there.
Meanwhile, Google also seems to be working on accelerating the rollout of an Android Auto wireless feature that makes perfect sense. A few weeks ago, users started spotting a new "disconnect" button in the notification center on their mobile device, allowing them to disconnect the smartphone from the head unit. The purpose is to shut down Android Auto if drivers want to connect another smartphone.
The current implementation does not allow easy disconnecting, requiring users to switch to airplane mode or disable Bluetooth. In both cases, drivers would eventually lose the connection with other accessories, such as smartwatches and earphones. With the addition of a dedicated disconnect button, Google makes the process more convenient, all with the press of a button on the mobile device.
The feature isn't widely available at the moment, but Google is likely working on expanding the availability to more devices. The disconnect button was first spotted earlier this year, so the feature showing up for more users is a sign that the company is approaching the moment when general availability could be reached. Google did not comment on this feature's availability, though, and its plans for future Android Auto updates.
Android Auto 10.7 made its way to registered testers earlier today, but anyone can install it by downloading the stand-alone APK installer.
Users must first download and save the Android Auto 10.7 beta APK on their devices. When the download is complete, they must browse to the file's location and tap the installer. The process is straightforward and intuitive, showing all instructions on the screen.
The process might require special permissions to install apps from non-Google Play Store sources on Android devices with the default app installation policy. The step-by-step wizard will guide you through it, so the installation should be completed in about one minute.
Most people are interested in the changelog, but Google no longer provides such information for Android Auto updates. I installed the beta build on my Samsung earlier today but couldn't notice any change during a 30-minute drive this morning.
Chances are the search giant focused on improvements under the hood, so if you previously encountered a glitch that broke down Android Auto, install this new build and see if the problem is still there.
Meanwhile, Google also seems to be working on accelerating the rollout of an Android Auto wireless feature that makes perfect sense. A few weeks ago, users started spotting a new "disconnect" button in the notification center on their mobile device, allowing them to disconnect the smartphone from the head unit. The purpose is to shut down Android Auto if drivers want to connect another smartphone.
The current implementation does not allow easy disconnecting, requiring users to switch to airplane mode or disable Bluetooth. In both cases, drivers would eventually lose the connection with other accessories, such as smartwatches and earphones. With the addition of a dedicated disconnect button, Google makes the process more convenient, all with the press of a button on the mobile device.
The feature isn't widely available at the moment, but Google is likely working on expanding the availability to more devices. The disconnect button was first spotted earlier this year, so the feature showing up for more users is a sign that the company is approaching the moment when general availability could be reached. Google did not comment on this feature's availability, though, and its plans for future Android Auto updates.
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