Google rolling out new split-screen look to Android Auto

Tech giant Google has announced that it is rolling out a “refreshed” Android Auto experience to users, which includes a split-screen user interface (UI). The new design updates and feature improvements will provide users a “more personal, easy-to-use experience,” the tech giant said in a blogpost.

The new design focuses mainly on three important goals for drivers — navigating where they are going, communicating with friends and family, and playing their music or podcasts. ‘Maps’ is now closer to the driver’s seat so that they can see where they are going at a glance.

Moreover, Google Assistant now provides smart suggestions to users including missed call reminders, arrival time sharing and instant access to music or podcasts. “We’re introducing a seekable progress bar for music and podcasts — one of our top requested features– so you can skip ahead in a song or episode,” the company said.

“Last but not least, starting with the latest Pixel and Samsung phones, you can soon make calls using WhatsApp with Android Auto,” it added. Earlier, users were only able to share their digital car keys across Pixel and iPhone users, but now the company has announced that the key sharing is “coming soon to Samsung phones and Xiaomi users will be able to both use and share digital car keys later this year.”

Meanwhile, Google also released a public beta of the new Coolwalk UI on the Play Store with some new features and changes for users to try out. Android Auto is an application which allows drivers to access music, media and navigation apps on car infotainment system screens by connecting their Android smartphones.

According to Android Central, earlier this year, Google revealed that it was preparing a major redesign for Android Auto. While the Coolwalk design was expected to arrive over the summer, it did not, leaving users wondering when it would actually reach consumers.

Coolwalk was unveiled at Google I/O 2022 (an annual developer conference), bringing a dynamic split screen UI to Android Auto that would adjust to different screen sizes more effectively, according to the report.

–IANS