Google will soon make it possible for video apps on Android Automotive to switch between video and audio modes when the car is in motion, right as Google plans to bring video apps to Android Auto.
Video apps already exist on Android Automotive, but they work exclusively when the vehicle is parked.
That’s exactly why Google will allow Android Automotive apps to switch between video and an audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion.
Google explains during a developer video: Advertisement – scroll for more content We’re also enabling audio while driving experiences for video apps on cars with Google built-in.
Not only do we need to wait for this new functionality to make its way to Android Automotive apps, but we also have to wait for video apps to come to Android Auto.
As part of its plans to introduce video apps to Android Auto, Google will soon enable video apps on Android Automotive to transition between audio and video modes while the vehicle is moving.
There are already Android Automotive video apps, but they only function when the car is parked. The content is cut off as soon as the car moves, which is generally a good thing but may be a drawback for some kinds of content. For instance, while they are not necessary, video podcasts and sports games benefit from the visuals.
Google will permit Android automotive apps to transition between video and audio-only modes while the vehicle is moving for precisely this reason.
In a developer video, Google explains.
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Additionally, we’re enabling audio while driving for video apps on Google-enabled automobiles. Transitions between parked video playback and audio-only listening while driving can now be implemented smoothly. Suppose you are receiving curbside pickup while watching a live sporting event on your phone. Now, when you resume driving, you can keep listening to the audio.
This is currently only available on vehicles running Android Automotive OS and Android 14 and higher, and it is part of an early access program. The feature must be implemented manually by app developers.
While the advantages are clear, the timing is also quite intriguing. It is reasonable to assume that video apps may eventually be supported on Android Auto, the phone-based platform that operates on automobile screens, as Google confirmed this week that it will “soon” support them.
Browser and video apps for Android Auto will be available “soon.”.
But for now, there’s a lot of waiting. We must wait for video apps to be added to Android Auto in addition to this new feature being added to Android Automotive apps. However, there is a lot to look forward to as Google works hard to expand the functionality of Android apps in automobiles.
More about Android in automobiles.
Google just unveiled [Gallery], the upcoming light theme for Android Auto.
New Android Automotive features, like Gemini, will be added to Volvo vehicles more quickly.
According to Gallery, a new Android Auto app for Spotify with Jam support will be released “in the coming months.”.
