Android Automotive Provides 70+ New Apps, However Solely When Parked

Google has announced the addition of over 70 new apps to Android Automotive, considerably enhancing the platform’s capabilities. Android Automotive is a standalone, vehicle-integrated working system that features independently of a related smartphone, providing a tablet-like expertise throughout the automobile’s infotainment system—Nevertheless, the brand new apps include restrictions that restrict their usability.

The replace contains a variety of apps throughout totally different classes, with notable additions such because the gaming platform Roblox, a number of variations of Chess and Solitaire, and streaming providers like CTV Information, NBC Information, Purple Bull TV, F1 TV, and Watcha. These apps primarily cater to leisure wants, offering content material to move the time whereas the automobile is stationary, corresponding to throughout EV charging or ready in a parked automobile.

Regardless of this enlargement, there’s a essential limitation: the brand new apps can solely be accessed when the automobile is parked. This restriction is meant to forestall distracted driving and guarantee highway security. Because of this, customers can’t work together with these functions whereas driving, aside from these offering important navigation and media controls.

Moreover, the rollout of those apps is at present restricted to pick out Volvo and Polestar fashions, although Google has indicated plans for broader availability sooner or later. Previous to this replace, Android Automotive supported fewer than 200 apps, and the latest additions push the overall nearer to 300. Whereas the enlargement marks a major step ahead, the general app ecosystem stays comparatively restricted in comparison with conventional Android gadgets.

Filed in Transportation. Learn extra about Cars.