Google has revealed a revamped version of Android Auto, its in-car companion for smartphones.
On the eve of the annual Google I/O conference, the company has previewed some new visual templates, improved media search functionality, and support for group messaging using the Google Assistant.
Let’s start with that fresh new design. In a blog post on Monday Google explained how the new visual templates will make it easy to find media content.
Essentially, users won’t have to spend as much time looking for what they want to play.
The firm writes: “Browsable content is placed front and center as soon as you open up an app, enabling you to easily recognize and quickly start listening to songs and podcasts.”
Next up is the improved search, which will enable developers to integrate their search results into Android Auto. This will also boost media playback.
Related: Google I/O 2018 preview
The company explains: “This allows drivers to quickly discover tracks that are related to what they’re currently listening to, such as a song’s live version, or a song with the same name from a different artist.”
Finally, it’s the group messaging functionality, available via the Google Assistant.
“We now support group messaging and RCS. Using the Google Assistant, you can easily communicate with a group of friends while keeping your hands on the wheel,” Google adds.
Google plans to explain more at a special Automotive session at Google I/O on Wednesday May 9.
Last month Google launched Android Auto wireless for its own phones for compatible cars. It’s great to see Google is continuing to build on the platform, which is now built-in to the majority of new cars.
Are you a fan of Google’s Android Auto platform? Or do you find it makes you more distracted behind the wheel? Let us know @Trusted Reviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
