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 capabilities independently of a related smartphone, providing a tablet-like expertise throughout the automobile’s infotainment system—Nonetheless, 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 companies 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, reminiscent of throughout EV charging or ready in a parked automobile.

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

Moreover, the rollout of those apps is presently restricted to pick 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 entire nearer to 300. Whereas the growth marks a major step ahead, the general app ecosystem stays comparatively restricted in comparison with conventional Android units.

Filed in Transportation. Learn extra about Cars.