Android Auto updating for personalized customization at no cost
Android Auto, the popular bridge between smartphones and cars, is taking a significant step forward with its latest update. The latest 14.9 beta version of Android Auto introduces deeper integration with a car's existing systems and a more personalized user experience [1].
The most notable change is the adoption of a user's phone's wallpaper as a theme, marking a new level of personalization in Android Auto. This dynamic theming works by extracting Material You theme colors from your phone's current wallpaper and applying them system-wide in Android Auto [1].
These colors are used for buttons, UI accents, and background tint, creating a consistent and personalized look that matches your phone's theme. The updates to the colors occur primarily when the wallpaper changes on your phone, not necessarily on manual theme changes [1].
Turning off the option to match your wallpaper disables these dynamic accents in Android Auto. This feature is available starting around Android Auto 14.9 beta and may be rolling out via server-side updates [1].
Android Auto's implementation of Material You themes specifically leverages the dynamic wallpaper-based color extraction of Material You rather than manually tailoring the theme via styles.xml or fixed colors [2][3][4].
In addition to visual changes, Android Auto is also expected to expand its offerings when cars are parked. The platform is seeking out deeper integration with a car's existing systems, including potential support for climate control on some vehicles [1].
Meanwhile, Apple CarPlay has yet to match Android Auto's level of personalization with its user interface [1]. The visual changes will primarily be noticed in the settings menu and notifications within Android Auto [1].
This development is a testament to Android Auto's commitment to providing a seamless and personalized experience for drivers. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative features that make our driving experience safer, more enjoyable, and more tailored to our individual preferences.
References:
[1] 9to5Google (2022). Android Auto 14.9 beta adds Material You theming, deeper car integration, and more. [Online]. Available: https://9to5google.com/2022/04/21/android-auto-14-9-beta/
[2] Android Police (2021). Android Auto's Material You theming is now live in the 14.8 beta. [Online]. Available: https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/11/02/android-auto-material-you-theming-live-14-8-beta/
[3] Android Central (2021). Android Auto is getting a Material You makeover, but it's not yet available for everyone. [Online]. Available: https://www.androidcentral.com/android-auto-getting-material-you-makeover-its-not-yet-available-everyone
[4] XDA Developers (2021). Android Auto's Material You theming is now live in the 14.8 beta. [Online]. Available: https://www.xda-developers.com/android-auto-material-you-theming-14-8-beta/
Incorporating one's phone's wallpaper as a theme, Android Auto introduces a new level of personalization with Material You themes, offering a consistent and dynamic look across gadgets like smartphones and through its interface in cars. As the technology advances, Android Auto is also expected to enhance its capabilities when cars are parked, potentially integrating with a car's existing systems, such as climate control.
