BMW to add support for wireless version of Android Auto in 2020

While BMW has supported CarPlay for a while already, this news marks the first time the German automaker will support Google's Android Auto. The feature will be available in some of its vehicles starting July 2020. But it will only support wireless Android Auto, which means it won't work if you don't have select Pixel, Nexus, or Samsung devices, though. All cars that have BMW Operating System 7.0 will work with Android Auto. Here's to hoping BMW expands support in the future.

Android Auto could soon let you arrange the apps you see

If you feel overwhelmed about the number of apps Android Auto shows on your in-car home screen, then this update might be a welcome addition for you. In a recent app teardown by Android Police, the site found that there is mention of a new setting to let you reorder as well as hide apps on the interface. Google took out multiple app drawers and replaced this with a large grid, which shows all your apps and leads to a cluttered interface. But as the teardown suggests, that might change soon. Not only will you be able to hide the apps you don't need while you're in the car, but it'll let you float up top your favourites and the ones you do use often.

Google starts rolling out Android Auto’s new interface

The goal for the new look of Android Auto is to “help you get on the road faster, show more useful information at a glance, and simplify common tasks while driving.” And you’ll finally be able to check if this is possible as Google rolls out the revamped version of Android Auto. This time, Android Auto will automatically continue playing your media when you turn on your vehicle. It’ll also immediately launch your navigation app of choice, which will let you tap on a suggested destination or issue a voice command. Android Auto’s navigation bar has been simplified so you can control apps with fewer taps. Dark mode is also now available with this version of Android Auto, fonts are easier to read, and you get more colorful accents for better visibility. With the new notification center, it is easier to manage calls, messages, and alerts as well. It has been optimized to show you more information on wider displays.

Source: Tech Radar

Apple Music tests out Android Auto integration

For the first time ever, Apple Music is integrating with Android’s car-based platform. Beta version 2.6.0 of the app (which you can find on Android Police) brings Apple Music integration into Android Auto. You have to make sure you have the latest version of Android Auto running, too. Once you have both, Apple Music will now become a top option for streaming in your car. You can stream radio or specific songs. We welcome this integration, especially since it brings options that you might not have access to at the moment. Right now, Apple Music doesn’t work with other Google products, so you still can’t integrate it with Google Home and Chromecast.

Source: The Verge