Google is rolling out an update to the Android Automotive platform over the coming weeks, introducing a redesigned Play Store and expanded video capabilities, including background audio for YouTube.
Google Refreshes Android Automotive Play Store Design
The Android Automotive interface is receiving a visual refresh intended to improve how drivers browse and install software. Google is updating the Play Store to better accommodate different vehicle hardware configurations, specifically targeting varied display aspect ratios. The update also introduces refined app categories to improve discoverability among the current library of more than 700 available applications.
YouTube Premium Brings Background Audio to Moving Vehicles
Drivers with a YouTube Premium subscription gain the ability to keep audio playing while the vehicle is in motion. While the video interface remains restricted to parked vehicles for safety, the background play feature allows the audio track to continue once the car begins moving. Google previously indicated this functionality was in development for a 2025 release, but this marks the first confirmation that it is being applied directly to the YouTube application for Android Automotive.
New Third-Party App Integrations
The platform’s ecosystem is growing with the addition of several new applications. Users can expect the arrival of STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar on their vehicle displays. These additions follow recent media updates that enabled background play controls on Android Auto, the company’s phone-projected platform. While video apps are slated to eventually reach the phone-projected version of Android Auto, the current update focuses specifically on vehicles with Google built-in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Android Automotive Updates
Which vehicles can access these new features?
These updates apply to vehicles running Android Automotive, also known as "Google built-in." This platform is integrated directly into the car’s infotainment system rather than being projected from a connected smartphone.
Can I watch YouTube videos while driving?
No. The video playback functionality remains limited to times when the vehicle is parked. The new update allows users to maintain audio playback through a YouTube Premium subscription when they resume driving.
How many apps are currently available for the platform?
Google reports that there are currently more than 700 apps available for Android Automotive. The latest update aims to make this growing library easier to navigate through improved categorization.
Did you know?
The Android Automotive platform is designed to be hardware-agnostic, meaning Google is building the interface to automatically scale and adjust its layout based on whether a vehicle uses a wide, portrait, or square infotainment screen.
Worth a look