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Waze is normally a great option for finding your way around, employing real-time traffic data from its users to provide the best route to your destination. Paired with Android Auto, that can bring those real-time traffic updates to the large display in your car for navigation. Unfortunately, a number of BMW drivers have hit a bit of a bumpy road with Waze, as a glitch is currently preventing the use of the app's navigation system.
Android Auto 7.6 update is cruising on out to devices now
Expect a lot of bugfixes; that new UI will have to wait
Big changes are coming to Android Auto. For the past several months now we've been anticipating when Google would finally push out its new “Coolwalk” interface, but when is it actually going to land? We're still waiting for an ETA (and with Google I/O 2022 right around the corner, we may get our wish soon), but while Coolwalk's not ready for prime time just yet, a new update is on its way out presently, as Android Auto 7.6 starts arriving for more and more devices.
Firing up the new Assistant Driving Mode can be frustrating, but a new tweak might make it easier for some
Bluetooth auto-launch gets you on the road a whole lot faster
With Android 12, Google is officially retiring its legacy Android Auto for phone screens app, finally transitioning to Assistant Driving Mode after a premature announcement in 2019. Its new car-friendly UI is off to a great start, but it definitely remains a work-in-progress. One of the most common complaints facing Assistant Driving Mode is its clunky launch method, but a new update goes a long way to fix it.
Hey Google, pay for gas — Android Auto is getting a whole new bag of tricks
Let's also play games while Honda joins Automotive lineup
Google has been ramping up its efforts to get people to stop driving with a wheel in one hand and a smartphone in the other. Many of the things in Google's driving experience are getting an upgrade, if not an entirely new interface, including the classic Android Auto, the phone-oriented Assistant driving mode, and even the upcoming Android Automotive.
Android Auto users are gaining access to another electric charging network
More ways to find available stations near you
Ever since Google opened up third-party API options for Android Auto apps, we've seen plenty of new experiences come to in-dash displays. Specialized navigation tools may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're planning on going off-road any time soon, it can be a game-changer. If you own an electric car, you know how important it is to locate nearby charging stations. ChargePoint added Android Auto support to its app a few months ago, and with this week's update, it's Electrify America's turn.
Google reminds you the Android Auto app has a beta program — have you signed up yet?
Try it out to get the latest tweaks
Google's car platform, Android Auto, gets updates just like the rest of Android. The company is now letting users try out beta updates to the system, delivered via the Android Auto app on the Play Store. The beta version should run on any car stereo that's Android Auto-capable.
Android Auto will finally let you choose dark mode as part of its biggest update in ages
Including changes to messaging, music apps, and more
Android Auto keeps your eyes on the road, all while mirroring the most essential parts of your phone. From maps to music and everything in between, Google's car-friendly interface has come a long way since its earliest days. Today, Android Auto is getting a whole slew of changes to help make your summer road trip even better.
CES 2020 is just about over, but a few interesting details are still trickling out from the event, including this: An Android Auto-based system that uses pedestrian's phones (plus a bit of predictive AI) to warn you when someone's about to leap out in front of your car. As always with these sort of early tech demos, there are a lot of catches.