Android Auto update coming mid year with split screen layout

Android Auto is getting a significant usability upgrade with its first significant visual update since 2019.

The update will roll out in the Northern Summer, from June to August 2022.

While the graphics still have the familiar look and feel, the split-screen layout is now available on all screen types and sizes.

Currently, only some infotainment screens support the split-screen layout. For example, Mazda’s 10.25-inch system does, while the 10.25-inch screen on Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia models doesn’t.

The split-screen layout lets you display media information and on-screen navigation at the same time, saving you from constantly switching between apps.

In the example shown by Google, blocks for media and messages appear to the left of the map on the landscape infotainment screen, but move below the map on a portrait display.

The change means that Android Auto will fit any size of touch screen.

“We’ve seen some really exciting innovations from the industry, the move to these very large portrait displays will translate to these ultra-wide landscape monitors,” said Android Auto Lead Product Manager Rod Lopez said The Verge.

“And you know what, the cool thing is that Android Auto will now support all of them and tweak it, giving you all of these features at your fingertips as a user.”

Google is also introducing contextual suggestions, such as suggested replies to messages that you can tap to send, while the Google Assistant will even be able to suggest music.

The company also says you’ll be able to quickly text and call your favorite contacts with a single tap if you don’t want to use voice prompts.

Meanwhile, cars with built-in Google, like Polestar 2 and by mid-2022, Volvo’s entire product linewill soon support YouTube and video streaming apps like Tubi and Epix Now.

That’s useful, for example, if you’re parking at a charging station on Polestar 2.

Google is also working on the ability to browse the web directly from the screen of your car and also let you stream content from your phone to the screen.