For the past few months, Android Auto has been anticipating a facelift, but it appears that Google’s schedule for the update has slipped.
Recapitulating what we’ve seen thus far, Android Auto has been working on a new appearance under the code name “Coolwalk” for a long time. The design first surfaced approximately a year ago, and it has since changed. The new user interface first hinted at greater split-screen functionality early this year, along with some other planned improvements like Cast support.
Google then made this updated Android Auto redesign public in May 2022.
During I/O 2022, Google hailed the new design as a method to expand the user base for split-screen capabilities and make the most of novel screen dimensions.
A 16:9 landscape-oriented display was the primary display size for which Android Auto’s earlier versions were largely optimised. But it’s become clear where Android Auto has lagged as new vehicles enter the market with broader displays or ones that extend down larger portions of the dashboard.
The new Android Auto makeover fits displays of all sizes and orientations well, as shown in the image below.
Where is it then?
In a blog post dated May 2022, Google said clearly that this update to Android Auto would be released “this summer.” The entire quote, with our emphasis, is provided below.
And over the years, we’ve discovered that drivers prioritise three major functions in their vehicles: communication, media, and navigation. This summer, Android Auto will launch a brand-new interface that will make it easier for you to control your media, obtain directions more quickly, and have access to additional features.
However, as of September 26, 2022, customers in stable or beta update channels are still unable to access the redesigned Android Auto.
The last time Google promised a “summer” schedule for an Android Auto update during I/O, the firm kept its word with a few extra weeks to spare. This time, though, the deadline has passed without any indication that anything is prepared to be delivered to users.
It is obvious that Google is still developing the upgrade. An Android user with a rooted phone discovered late last week that the Spotify app or the platform had received an update that had enabled additional features for the music widget. It seems clear that Google has kept the project alive.
Google declined to provide an update when we inquired if there was a new schedule for making the “Coolwalk” facelift of Android Auto available to the general public. The upgrade is probably going to be out later this year.
