Much More Than GPS: The New On-Board Experience
Google Enhances Android Auto and Automotive OS with Video,Games,and More
MOUNTAIN VIEW,calif. – Google is rolling out a suite of new features for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS, focusing on in-car entertainment and expanded app availability.The announcements came during google I/O 2025.
Video support is a key addition, allowing users to stream video applications while parked. According to Google, video playback will be limited to audio-only while the vehicle is in motion. This feature will debut with Android 16.
The company is also introducing gaming to the platform. While not intended for high-end AAA titles, the Google Play Store will offer a selection of casual games playable on the car’s central screen when parked. Titles such as Beach Buggy Racing 2, Angry Birds 2, Farm heroes Saga, and Candy Crush Soda Saga were showcased. Google plans to expand the gaming ecosystem through a dedicated API for developers.
Games are also coming to Android Automotive, including on the electric R5, initially in beta. A redesigned interface for audio applications is also planned.Google aims to unify the user experience across Android Auto and Android Automotive OS, with features becoming more consistent between the two systems.
The Play Store for Android Auto will see an expansion of available app categories. Weather applications,previously in beta,are now open to all developers. Messaging applications, already on Android Auto, will soon be available on Android Automotive.
Developers can now create a single APK that functions on both Android Auto and Android Automotive OS, with improved support for adaptive design. Firebase Test lab will allow developers to test their applications without needing a physical vehicle.
Gemini, Google’s AI conversational agent, is being integrated into Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. Gemini can summarize messages, suggest alternative routes, and provide real-time translation.
Volvo will be among the first manufacturers to natively integrate Gemini in upcoming models, starting with the EX90.
Google Enhances Android Auto and Automotive OS: Your Questions Answered
Table of Contents
- Google Enhances Android Auto and Automotive OS: Your Questions Answered
- What’s New with Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
- Will Android Auto and Android Automotive OS Get Video Streaming?
- When will I be able to Use Video Streaming in Android Auto?
- Are Games Coming to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
- What Kind of Games Will Be Available?
- Will There Be More Games in the Future?
- What is the difference between Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
- Which Cars will have Android Automotive OS?
- Will the User experience be Consistent Between Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
- What New App Categories Will Be Added to Android Auto’s Play store?
- How Will Developers Benefit from These Changes?
- What is Gemini, and How is it Being Integrated?
- Which Car Manufacturers Will Implement Gemini?
- Summary of Key Features:
What’s New with Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
Google is rolling out a suite of new features for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. These updates focus on in-car entertainment and expanding the range of available apps. The announcements were made at Google I/O 2025.
Will Android Auto and Android Automotive OS Get Video Streaming?
Yes, video support is a key new feature. Users will be able to stream video applications, though playback is limited to audio-only while the vehicle is in motion. This feature will debut with android 16.
When will I be able to Use Video Streaming in Android Auto?
Video streaming’s availability is tied to Android 16. This likely means that you’ll need a car stereo or head unit with compatible software that’s updated to Android 16.
Are Games Coming to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
Yes, Google is introducing gaming to both platforms. Android Auto will offer a selection of casual games playable on the car’s central screen when parked. These games are coming to Android Automotive, as well.
What Kind of Games Will Be Available?
The games are not intended to be high-end “AAA” titles.Examples include:
Beach Buggy Racing 2
Angry Birds 2
Farm Heroes Saga
Candy Crush Soda Saga
Will There Be More Games in the Future?
Google plans to expand the gaming ecosystem through a dedicated API for developers.
What is the difference between Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
Android Auto is designed to mirror your phone’s interface on your car’s display. Android Automotive OS is a full operating system built directly into the car’s infotainment system, independent of a connected phone.
Which Cars will have Android Automotive OS?
Android Automotive OS is found in various car models. The provided content mentions that games are coming to Android Automotive, including on the electric R5, though initially in beta.
Will the User experience be Consistent Between Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?
Yes, Google aims to unify the user experience across Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. Features are intended to become more consistent between the two systems.
What New App Categories Will Be Added to Android Auto’s Play store?
The Play Store for Android Auto will expand its app categories. Whether applications, previously in beta, are now open to all developers. Messaging applications, already on Android Auto, will soon be available on Android Automotive.
How Will Developers Benefit from These Changes?
Developers can now create a single APK that functions on both Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. There is also improved support for adaptive design. Firebase Test lab allows developers to test their applications without needing a physical vehicle.
What is Gemini, and How is it Being Integrated?
Gemini, Google’s AI conversational agent, is being integrated into Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. It can perform several functions:
Summarize messages
Suggest choice routes
* Provide real-time translation
Which Car Manufacturers Will Implement Gemini?
volvo will be among the first manufacturers to natively integrate Gemini in upcoming models, starting with the EX90.
Summary of Key Features:
Here’s a quick overview of the major updates:
| feature | Android Auto | Android Automotive OS |
|————————|————————|————————-|
| Video Streaming | Yes | Likely Yes (via android 16)|
| Gaming | Casual games | casual games |
| App Categories | Expanded Play Store | Expanded apps |
| AI Integration (Gemini) | Yes | Yes |
| platform Unification | More Consistent User Experience | More Consistent user Experience |