Android Autos new look is darker, packs more onto car screen

When you sync your Android smartphone to your car’s infotainment system in a few months, expect a darker look.

Android Auto, the in-car display connected to your smartphone, is getting a makeover this summer. Android Auto works in more than 500 car models across 50 different brands, like Toyota, which finally added Android Auto compatibility earlier this year. For iPhone users, CarPlay is Apple’s version for in-car infotainment features.

The new interface is pretty similar to what you’ve seen for the past few years on your car dash, but a new navigation bar on the bottom includes directions, other apps, and quick access to your phone. Now you can be in Google Maps and control your Spotify playlist on the same screen or even take a call from the nav bar.

A new notification center shows recent calls, messages and other notifications. When you first get into the car Android Auto will automatically connect and continue playing whatever song, podcast, or audio book you were listening to you on your phone. 

For cars with bigger screens, Android Auto will take advantage of the extra space and include more directions, music controls, and more.

It’s also darker — you’ll notice fewer flashes of white and darkened backgrounds — and supposedly easier-to-read fonts, which sounds helpful since you’re driving. 

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Compare for yourself and notice the darker themes throughout the interface, like during navigation:

The new look will be overviewed with developers at Google’s I/O conference later this week. 

With Polestar’s new electric car bringing in a native Google dashboard, Google Assistant in plug-in devices, and now more Android Auto features on one screen, there’s a lot of Google in cars. 

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