Android Auto update unveiled at CES 2023 with improvements to car digital keys and Google built-in

At this year’s CES 2023, Google unveiled a new Android Auto experience, announcing enhancements to digital car key sharing and improvements to Google-embedded cars.

android auto

Let’s start with the updated Android Auto rolling out to users starting January 5, 2023. This overhaul was first previewed at Google I/O last year and includes improvements to his UI and functionality that will help you while you’re behind the wheel. .

The latest version of Android Auto has three pillars: navigating to destinations, communicating with friends and family, and playing music and podcasts. To that end, Maps puts you closer to the driver’s seat, constantly tracking where you are and making sure you don’t miss any important turns. The split screen layout has also been optimized to adapt to different screen sizes such as widescreen, portrait and everything in between.

Media cards have received a redesigned Material You, and Google finally added one of its most requested features: a seekable progress bar for music and podcasts. Android Auto also has many new shortcuts to easily complete tasks on the go.

For starters, Quick Launcher gives you access to recently used apps. And there are shortcuts to speed up replying to messages and calling your favorite contacts. offer suggestions.

And that’s not all, according to Google, you’ll soon be able to make WhatsApp calls using the latest Pixel and Samsung phones with Android Auto.

digital car key

A digital car key allows you to lock, unlock and start the corresponding car. It’s already possible to share keys between Pixels and iPhones to grant access to friends and family, and later this year, Samsung and Xiaomi phones will be able to do the same.

Google built-in

With Google built in, you can bring your Google Assistant, Google Maps and Play Store apps to your car display without your phone. Some cars that already support this are the newly announced Honda Accord Touring 2023, with selected cars from Volvo, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Renault. Ford and Lincoln are also due to join the club later this year.

One of the new features available today is Google’s new HD maps. It provides drivers with accurate road details such as lane markers, signs and road barriers, and supports automakers’ self-driving technology for safer, hands-free driving on their chosen roads. To do. HD maps will initially be deployed on Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3.

The Waze app works with more cars with Google built-in, starting with select Renault vehicles.

And finally, good news for those of you who want to stream video while your EV is parked. YouTube will soon be joining Tubi and MGM+ via the Google Play Store, with more apps to come.