The Android Auto app has gotten a nifty update ahead of Google I/O. It’s nothing large, but there are some interesting features hiding in the code of the APK. The most interesting of which is the fact that it looks like Google is preparing to add more cards to the home screen of Android Auto. Currently, the home screen shows very limited cards, since Google wants you to focus on the road, there aren’t many cards shown here. You’ll see things like missed calls, messages, directions to a place that you searched for (or usually go to at that time of the day), or the music that’s playing. And that’s it. But in this latest version of Android Auto, there is code for some experimental Google cards.
Now in the APK, it doesn’t note what kind of cards we might be seeing in Android Auto, just that they are experimental. But Google could be adding some cards for showing how much fuel is left in the tank or other diagnostics for your car. Since Google wants Android Auto to be really simple, so that you are keeping your eyes on the road, it’s unlikely to feature sports scores and stock prices, like they do in Google Now on your smartphone, currently. The option to turn on these experimental cards are only available in the hidden menu, which is a bit of a nuisance to get too.
Android Auto has been getting pretty consistent updates as of late, adding some pretty useful features to the service. This makes sense since you are able to use Android Auto simply by opening the app, instead of needing a third-party head unit in your car, which you needed up until this past fall. Android Auto has been getting more and more useful, with Google adding more useful features to make the car ride a bit more comfortable and easier, while still keeping it safe, which has been their number one goal, and for good reason. You can download the latest version of Android Auto from the link below.
Download: Android Auto v2.3