Android Auto overhaul takes the fight to Apple CarPlay

Google is set to roll out a major interface overhaul in an update of its Android Auto connectivity suite later this year.

Since Google’s Android Auto car connectivity suite debuted in 2014, it has lagged behind primary competitor, Apple CarPlay in key areas.

Less slick, and arguably not as adept at multitasking as its arch-rival, this significant update and overhaul aims to close the gap.

Set to arrive “later this summer” in the northern hemisphere (for us Aussies, later this winter) the Android Auto update will focus on multitasking and ease of use.

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The home screen has been redesigned, forgoing the list-based design in favour of an Apple CarPlay-look app screen, a sleeker plug-in process, where the software will continue playing your music and offer map suggestions immediately, and a “color (sic) palette that’s easy on the eyes”.

The new home screen should be much more user-friendly than the list-style home screen which Android Auto started with in 2014.

Importantly, Android developers have added a new navigation/media bar at the base of the screen which always shows your next direction or the current media playing if you’re already in the maps app, giving easier multi-function controls.

Unlike Apple CarPlay, which immediately hijacks the main screen when there’s an incoming call, the new Android Auto update will present occupants with a top-of-screen incoming call pop-up in order to maintain the nav screen in crucial moments.

There will also be a notification centre – a central place to easily manage incoming communications with no need to click around individual apps.

The Android developers have also added support for higher resolution screens to make better use of the extra space and show more rows of information.

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The update comes at an all-time high demand for phone connectivity software, which is both easier to use and has proven to be less distracting than manufacturer’s native systems.

It also comes at a time when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are set to finally arrive on Australian-delivered Toyotas.

Have you used Android Auto before? Are you keen for this update? Tell us what you think in the comments below.