The new year has gotten off to a particularly positive start for users of Android Automotive. A big announcement underscores that Google has recognized the open construction sites. The offer in the Play Store should be significantly larger.
Google has some updates ready for the new year for many of its offers. Among them again Android Auto and Android Automotive. Both platforms, which have similar names, are being provided with new apps independently of each other. We are particularly pleased with Android Automotive because the full-fledged car platform was previously set up fairly thinly.
Android Auto, on the other hand, has been much better equipped with third-party apps since last year. Especially in the area of navigation, Google has opened the gates and third-party providers poured in. Android Auto will be adding Lyft and Kakao Mobility to the existing offering this summer. Neither of these is so interesting in Germany.
Android Automotive is finally getting a YouTube app and many other third-party apps
Tesla is leading the way and the competition is finally following suit. Waiting times and traffic jams can be bridged more easily with media. This is another reason why there is finally a YouTube app for Android Automotive. The app comes later this year, without precise information on the start date.
Navigation alternatives are also introduced. Finally, I hear some say. At least that’s true for me, although I love Google Maps. In the future, Android Automotive OS will primarily be found in all-electric cars, so charging station apps make sense. Although Google Maps is already very well integrated into this regard.
The following apps will be available in the Play Store for Android Automotive in the course of the year: ChargePoint, PlugShare, SpotHero, ParkWhiz, Sygic and Flitsmeister. Further apps for points of interest are also planned, but no names have been shared with us to date.