Android Auto is an experience that Google unveiled for cars back in 2014. In a nutshell, it allows you to connect your phone with your car’s display. Given the company’s reputation for killing products in their nascent stage, Android Auto seems to have been a successful innovation for it so far — even though the Android Auto experience for phone screens was scrapped with Android 12. Now, the company has unveiled a set of new features Now available to Android Auto customers.

The design of the Android Auto experience has been revamped with an increased focus on improved navigation, communication and audio content playback. This is done by placing maps closer to the driver’s seat, a Material You-based media card for displaying album art, a quick launcher for launching recent apps, and split-screen layouts compatible with different screen sizes.

In terms of new features, we have smart suggestions from Google Assistant for missed call reminders, faster access to music, and quick sharing on arrival. Plus, you can leverage shortcuts to quickly call your favorite contacts and respond to messages. And it’s surprising that it hasn’t been supported since launch, but Android Auto finally has a searchable progress bar for skipping parts of music and podcasts. Owners of the latest Pixel and Samsung phones will be happy to know they can make WhatsApp calls, with the ability to reach more devices in the future.

What’s more, digital key sharing is coming soon to Samsung and Xiaomi devices and other car brands. Currently, they are only supported by BMW on Pixel and iPhone devices.

Google also talked about some improvements from its partner ecosystem, which are summarized below:

• High quality maps and navigation
  • The Waze app is now available in selected Renault vehicles and is coming to additional cars with built-in Google.
  • Google’s new HD map is now available in select new cars with Google built-in, starting with the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. The HD map provides accurate road details such as lane markings, traffic signs and roadblocks to support automakers’ assisted and autonomous driving technology . For safer and hands-free driving on selected roads.
• More entertainment
  • While you’re waiting for curbside pickup or charging your EV, the car’s screen is a great place to catch up on shows or movies. With Tubi and MGM+ already available on Google Play, we’ll soon be offering YouTube and more.
• Extended options
  • With the recently announced 2023 Accord Touring model, Honda joins a growing list of brands offering cars with Google built-in that includes Volvo Cars, Polestar, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Renault. Expect more options from brands like Ford and Lincoln later in 2023 as well.

All of the features mentioned above started rolling out today, unless otherwise specifically noted.