Google I/O is ongoing beyond the keynote and sometimes that’s where you get some of the best stories emerge.
Google spoke a lot about Android Auto before the keynote, and how Gemini would enable users to converse with their car. To reduce the cognitive load and to reduce distractions.
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What it didn’t reveal was video and web browser apps were on their way to Android Auto “soon” and it’s about time. It mightn’t match the best streaming devices, but it’s a nice option when you’re waiting to pick someone up from the airport or something.
In a session for developers Google revealed that it was broadening the types of apps that’d be compatible with the car display. So, conceivably you watch YouTube, or Netflix or Disney+ on your centre console display depending on which developers take up the option.
It says (via 9to5Google): “Video apps will be supported on Android Auto, starting with phones running Android 16 on select compatible cars. If your app is already adaptive, enabling your app experience while parked only requires minimal steps to distribute to cars.”
Naturally, any video or browser apps will only when the car was in park rather than driving up and down the motorways. Because, you know, that would be really, really dangerous.
Weather apps are coming too, but you won’t need to be parked for those because, naturally, that’s pretty handy information to access from behind the wheel. When’s the storm due, when will it end, etc.. It makes you wonder why that wasn’t available in the first place.
During I/O Google already introduced the Gemini experience for Android Auto, which may have been a highlight of the show entirely. It also announced a partnership with Volvo to ensure those cars get first dibs.
In the blog Google added: “Gemini enables natural voice conversations and seamless multitasking, empowering drivers to get more done simply by speaking naturally. Imagine effortlessly finding charging stations or navigating to a location pulled directly from an email, all with just your voice.”
