Technology is becoming increasingly important in society and car manufacturers are fully aware of this. For this reason, together with Android, they are working on new features to improve the application par excellence for driving.
One of the most successful Google applications in its Play Store, Android Auto, receives 2022 with the promise of implementing several novelties that should make the user’s life easier, as well as safer driving.
Currently, cars They are increasingly complete in the sense that they are no longer mere instruments that allow us to move quickly and comfortably, but are also beginning to become entertainment tools.
Manufacturers such as Polestar, Volvo and General Motors already include Android Automotive
Large screens, compatibility with mobile applications and other functions are already important purchase criteria for users and, therefore, manufacturers do not skimp on launching more advanced technologies.
But that implies that application creators keep up and it is the case of Google with its driving app, Android Auto. Coinciding with the beginning of 2022, we are going to review the news that is expected this year in this application.
Fast pairing and wireless use
One of the main drawbacks of Android Auto is that it is somewhat complex to pair it with the compatible device in the car and that, in addition, it must be connected with a cable, which makes it somewhat annoying.
The function Fast pairing It will allow you to make pairing between mobile and vehicle with a single touch, something that some Ford and BMW users can already enjoy and that more manufacturers will incorporate during the year.
In addition, it will be possible to use Android Auto in a wireless. For models that cannot support this function, brands such as Motorola already sell adapters that allow wireless use in all types of vehicle compatible with the application.
In the specific case of the adapter Motorola, this connects via USB, wirelessly projecting Android Auto from the phone to the car screen as soon as we step into it.
The key on the mobile
The new technology Ultra Wide Band (UWB) It already allows some BMW models to be opened or even launched from Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel mobiles.
It is even possible to carry out a key sharing with trusted people And soon all these functions will be available in more vehicles and mobile phones.
Android Automotive upgrade
The variant of Android Auto integrated into the systems infotainment of the new cars is called Android Automotive and Google wants to improve and expand its functionalities throughout this year.
Manufacturers like Polestar, Volvo and General Motors They already include this system in some of their models and more will arrive soon. All of them will benefit from increased vehicle management capabilities through Android Automotive.
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More applications
Both Android Auto and Automotive receive this year an increase in the catalog of compatible applications to download from Play Store, which will allow to expand the functionalities of the app in the car.
For example, navigation applications such as Sygic and Flitsmeister, charging applications such as ChargePoint and PlugShare, parking applications such as SpotHero and ParkWhiz or entertainment applications such as Youtube.
Smart home and vehicle
Previously, we have advanced that with Automotive it will be possible to access a greater capacity to configure vehicle parameters such as ADAS systems or the maintenance operations schedule, but we can also pre-climate the cabin before entering the car, for example.
In the same way, it will be possible to control smart devices installed in homes from the car, such as air conditioning or other functionalities controlled from Google Home.
Sustainable routes
Another of the most commented news in recent weeks, as it is not in vain it is already operational in the United States and will soon arrive in Europe, it is one of the most relevant changes that Google is preparing for Maps, the routes application that is integrated into Android Auto.
And it is that this will begin to indicate how default path the most sustainable, that is, the one that makes us consume the least fuel or the one that makes our vehicle generate the least emissions. To do this, it will take into account the fuel consumption, the expected traffic or the unevenness of the roads through which the route will pass. Obviously, faster or shorter routes will still be available.
Apple Car Play
But Android Auto is not the only driving application that will bring news in 2022, as its direct rival, Apple Car Play, is also renewed to continue offering its users a satisfactory service.
In this sense, it highlights a new functionality already available on some devices (iOS 15) called Driving focus, which will allow the driver to focus on the road without being distracted by messages, sounds and other signals that could compromise their safety.
Similarly, Apple prepares an update that allows the user to take the control over radio, climate control, seat configuration and many other parameters directly related to the vehicle.