Overview
- This week Google announced a major push at Google I/O to unify Android Auto (phone‑projected) and Android Automotive OS (vehicle‑native) so developers can build one app that runs on both platforms.
- Google released Car App Library updates (1.8.0‑beta01 and 1.9.0‑alpha01) plus revised Android Automotive emulator images to let developers test new templates, components and early‑access features.
- A Material 3 Expressive redesign and widget support will bring mobile visual language and multi‑widget layouts to car screens, with rollout to Android Auto this year and cars with Google built‑in later.
- For the first time Android Auto will allow video apps to play 60fps HD video when a vehicle is parked, with the capability set to roll out later this year for users with phones running Android 17 or higher.
- Google named early media partners such as Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music and third‑party reports list select automakers and possible Dolby Atmos support, but actual availability will depend on OEM integration and phone/vehicle compatibility.