Google today announced a major update to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in, bringing a redesigned interface, premium entertainment features, and deeper Gemini integration. The updates aim to make every drive more seamless, safe, and connected across more than 250 million Android Auto-compatible cars on the road.
Redesigned Android Auto Experience
Android Auto is receiving a full refresh with personal design touches, at-a-glance widgets, and edge-to-edge Google Maps. The new design adapts to any car screen shape, whether ultrawide rectangle, circle, or custom configuration.
The Material 3 Expressive design language from Android phones now extends to the car, complete with expressive fonts, smooth animations, and wallpapers. Widgets allow users to see important information while actively navigating, such as shortcuts to favorite contacts, a one-tap garage door opener, or a weather overview.
At the core of the update is Immersive Navigation, described as the biggest update to Google Maps in over a decade. The map displays a vivid 3D view showing buildings, overpasses, and terrain, while highlighting critical details like lanes, traffic lights, and stop signs to help with tricky turns and confident merging.
Premium Entertainment with Full HD Video
Android Auto will support full HD video playback for the first time, allowing users to watch apps like YouTube in crisp 60fps when parked or charging. The feature will launch later this year in supported cars from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.
When switching from parked to drive, videos transition seamlessly to audio-only mode in apps that support background audio, ideal for continuing video podcasts on the go. Android Auto will also support immersive spatial sound using Dolby Atmos in supported apps and cars, starting with BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.
Media apps including YouTube Music and Spotify are receiving visual tune-ups for easier in-car use.
Gemini Intelligence on the Road
Gemini is now widely available in Android Auto to help users get more done, brainstorm ideas, or learn while driving. Phones with Gemini Intelligence will be able to access it in Android Auto later this year, bringing context-aware assistance to the car.
Magic Cue will understand the context of incoming texts, such as a friend asking for an address, then find the answer using information from text messages, email, or calendar and offer to send a reply in a single tap. Users will also be able to order dinner while driving, starting with DoorDash. A command like “Order my usual fish tacos on DoorDash for pickup, but double the order” will prepare the meal for pickup upon arrival.
Cars with Google Built-In
Cars with Google built-in, now available in more than 100 models from 16 brands, are receiving the same improved media apps and seamless video-to-audio transition coming to Android Auto, plus access to meeting apps including Zoom this year.
Gemini in cars with Google built-in can answer vehicle-specific questions, such as identifying a dashboard indicator light or determining if a TV will fit in the trunk. In eligible cars, Immersive Navigation in Google Maps will feature live lane guidance using the vehicle’s front-facing camera to analyze the road, understand the current lane, and advise in real time during lane changes or exits.
Updates to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in will roll out throughout the year. More details can be found on the Android Auto website.
