New Delhi: Google has announced a load of major updates to Android Auto and to the cars that come with a Google-built-in platform. The brand said that it is redesigning the Android Auto experience, packed with smarter AI integration, richer entertainment features and a more immersive interface aimed at modern connected vehicles.
With more than 250 million Android Auto-compatible cars already on the road worldwide, Google has said that the next phase of Android Auto and cars with Google built-in will be more focused towards heavy personalisation, seamless usability and AI-powered assistance. The updated system comes as automakers continue to transform vehicle cabins into digital-first spaces with larger displays, connected services and advanced infotainment systems.
One of the biggest visual changes in a complete redesign that takes inspiration from Google’s Material 3 Expressive language. The updated Android Auto interface comes with smoother animations, refreshed typography, custom wallpapers and setup optimised for different screen shapes and sizes, including ultrawide and uniquely shaped displays increasingly seen in modern vehicles.
At its core, Google offers what it calls ‘Immersive Navigation’. It has been described as the biggest update to Google Maps in the last 10 years. It comes with a clear and vivid 3D view of buildings, overpasses and terrain, along with lane-level guidance, highlighting traffic lights and stop signs, navigating users in tricky turns and merge lanes more easily, as claimed by Google.
Real-time Gemini intelligence and updated entertainment
In terms of AI, phones with Gemini Intelligence will be able to extend the capability to the car in the latter part of this year. This basically means, Gemini assistant can read context from messages, calendar or email to answer questions or draft replies, with the ‘Magic Cue’ function.
In the USA, Google has even demonstrated food ordering through voice, with DoorDash as the launch partner. Cars coming with Google built-in, these features come with things like Gemini’s ability to answer vehicle-specific queries, such as identifying a dashboard warning light or estimating if a certain piece of luggage can fit in the boot space.
In eligible cars, Google has said the ‘live-lane guidance’ will use the vehicle’s front-facing camera so as to track which lane the driver is in and offer real-time advice accordingly.
In a first, Android Auto will support full HD video playback at 60fps while the car is parked or when charging. Once the driver has engaged the drive or put it in gear, the video will transition seamlessly to audio-only, so a ‘video podcast’ of some sort will be playing without interruption on apps that support background audio functionality.
Dolby Atmos spatial audio support is also coming for supported apps and cars. Launch partners for both these features include the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mahindra, Tata, Volvo, Renault and Skoda. There is no exact date for the launch. Google has said these updates will be rolling out to compatible cars throughout 2026.