Android Auto has just benefited from the introduction of four new connected car features. According to the news, drivers can now watch Prime Video on the highway while enjoying other features such as weather, web conferencing and the ability to use their smartphone as a digital key.
It’s kind of a hodgepodge of announcements. On the one hand, Android Auto users will experience the addition of new features. On the other hand, owners of vehicles with Google built-in benefit from further improvements. In any case, we would like to point this outThe availability of these features largely depends on the make and model of your vehicle.. Therefore, it is advisable to understand these differences depending on your specific situation.
Prime Video now available on Android Auto
Distraction appears to be the first feature Google has integrated into Android Auto, allowing drivers to watch streaming videos on the highway. However, it is only available for certain brands including Renault, Polestar and Volvo.
FYI: Polestar, owned by Volvo parent company Geely, has made its own announcement on the matter. In addition, the Vivaldi web browser, based on Chromium technology, offers is now part of the applications that Google has integrated recently.
On the other hand, the Prime Video application on Android Auto, which can be downloaded from the Play Store, is only accessible when the vehicle is stationary. This makes it an option to use your time charging your Polestar or Volvo electric vehicle.
It is important to note that watching videos or playing games on your car’s main screen while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal. It is therefore normal for road traffic authorities take action in this regard.
After adding YouTube to Android Auto earlier this year, Google continues to add more video streaming apps to its Android Auto platform.
For their part, it should be noted that Tesla owners Already enjoy access to Netflix, Hulu and YouTube since 2019. However, it is positive to see that Google is expanding its offers, even if they arrive a little late.
Your conferences live from your car
In addition to the availability of Prime Video on Android Auto, Google has added another cool feature. It is Web conference function accessible directly on the screen from your dashboard.
In this respect we find Integrations with Cisco WebEx and Zoom, although both options are limited to audio. This development means you can now attend your meetings while driving. All without having to worry about your appearance or possible visual distractions in the office.
Vehicles that were equipped with the native Android operating system, i.e. integrated with Google, have already benefited from this in May this year Integration of Zoom, WebEx and Microsoft Teams.
As a result, Google says Android Auto users, who make up the majority of these systems’ user base, are catching up in web conferencing features.
Google has announced new apps and features for Android Auto and Android Automotive.
These include:
* Cisco’s WebEx and Zoom are now launching with audio-only functionality, so you can join scheduled meetings and conference calls from your car’s display. (The arrival of these apps… pic.twitter.com/qch7VxBG3Y
– Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 13, 2023
Direct access to weather conditions
Vehicles equipped with integrated Google technology Also benefit from The Weather Channel app. This is also available for download in the Play Store.
In addition, you have the opportunity to do soAccess a “Travel View” This allows you to view upcoming weather forecasts when planning a road trip. This feature is particularly useful for predicting weather conditions while traveling.
Your smartphone as a digital key
The idea ofUse your phone as a digital key Controlling your vehicle is often presented as a concrete example of the development towards increasingly connected cars. It’s a compelling way to demonstrate how modern vehicles have become computerized objects.
For this purpose, Google offers another feature in addition to Prime Video on Android Auto. This is the digital key feature for Android users. On the other hand, she is implemented very specifically.
The digital key functionality will therefore only be available on certain models and in certain countries. Of which Hyundai, Genesis and Kia Only available in the USA, Canada and Korea.
Google also has limited access to the digital key functionality for Pixel and Samsung smartphone users. especially the Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung S23+. Therefore, to easily use this feature, it is important to have both the right car model and a compatible phone.