Android Auto – Updated Interface

It’s been a while but Google have finally got around to updating the look of Android Auto

The standard screen on Android Auto always looked a bit basic when compared to carplay. Google have finally started to release an updated app to change the look of the menus when using Android Auto in the car. If you use the app through the phone screen the layout does not change(at the moment).

The update may be available to your phone. To try the new the new version you have to go into settings on the app and enable “try the new Android Auto”. This may not be available in your country, but it has appeared in the UK.

When you then plug the phone in to your stereo it will launch with the new interface, which is much more user friendly.

The only thing that Google should really have addressed is the annoying in screen box when you are in Google Maps. This takes up half the screen and serves no useful purpose when navigating. It just wastes half the screen and makes seeing where you are going more difficult. This is one “left over” from the old version that should not have been carried forward. Bizarrely, the mobile version of Google maps does not have this annoying feature…

Recently the option has also been added to select “route options”, so you can see route choices on the screen before deciding which one to take – this is actually a useful addition. It’s just a shame you can’t hide the settings box….