Android Auto will soon get a series of new features in future updates. After the update is released, users will have the option to use the touch screen in the vehicle to quickly reply to messages. Early Android Auto users could only choose to reply to messages with voice. In addition, Google also announced that Android Auto can now be set to start automatically, and users can use their Android smartphones to lock, unlock and even open compatible BMW cars. These changes and other new features for the entire Android platform were announced on Wednesday.
In the latest post on the Keyword blog about Android-based updates, Google announced that it will add some features to Android Auto to improve its in-car application. One of these includes the ability to reply to a text message via an on-screen message prompt or by creating a custom response. This smart reply feature will be launched soon and will use Google Assistant to make better replies.
In addition, Android Auto will also get an always-on music playback button. This will always be visible and will be placed on the home screen. Another feature that Google will add to its car app is the ability to search for music from any media app in Android Auto through the user’s voice. “Just tap the new search icon and say your favorite artist or song to listen to it easily,” the blog post mentioned.
Another feature that Android Auto users in some countries/regions will like is the ability to lock, unlock, and start compatible BMW cars. Known as a digital car key, it is currently only available for Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21. It is worth noting that Apple also introduced the digital car key function for the iPhone last year, and started to introduce it for the new iPhone earlier this year.
Currently, Apple’s digital car keys are limited to certain luxury cars. As mentioned earlier, the latest Android Auto feature is released along with other new features of the Android platform, including family bell reminders via Google Assistant, the new Google Photos feature, etc.
News Source : Gadgets 360
