Android Auto 16.8 is now available for download before everyone else, here are the new features it brings
Android Auto is still in the works and version 16.8 has already begun rolling out. While still in beta, this update includes significant changes that may soon reach all users. Google has started distributing it to participants in its testing program, and manual installation via APK file is also available .
However, it's important to understand that this is a beta version. This means it may contain bugs or glitches, so it's not the ideal choice for those who rely on Android Auto daily in their cars.
Aside from the installation process itself, the most interesting aspect of this update lies in what it conceals. While the changes may seem minor at first glance, there are important new features being developed behind the scenes. The most prominent of these is the addition of widgets, a feature the company has been working on for months.
This new interface will allow users to add various widgets directly to the system's main screen. Unlike CarPlay, where these elements are displayed in a separate view, Google aims to integrate them into a single screen to improve usability and reduce distractions while driving. Furthermore, it appears that mobile widgets will be compatible without requiring any additional modifications from developers.
Version 16.8 includes functional menus for managing these tools: they can be previewed, selected, and searched from a single dashboard. This progress indicates that development is nearly complete, and the official release may follow the Google I/O conference scheduled for this spring.
Another new feature under development relates to visual appearance, as Google is preparing new weather icons to update the system's look. While not yet activated, their presence in the code suggests they will be added soon. However, some limitations remain, such as the weather card not appearing on landscape screens.
Therefore, Android Auto is poised to make a significant leap in functionality and design, with a primary focus on widgets.