Android Auto Update Adds Cast Support, Redesigns Music Player
▼ Summary
– Google is developing updates for Android Auto, including potential Google Cast support and a Material 3 redesign for the media player, based on code found in the latest beta version.
– The evidence for Cast support comes from new code strings referencing casting to a car and requiring devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the vehicle or phone.
– While the code strings are somewhat generic, their presence strongly suggests Google is working to bring Cast functionality from Android Automotive to the Android Auto platform.
– A separate hidden UI change reveals a redesigned media player with a Material 3 Expressive progress bar and updated button designs for both the full app and the dashboard widget.
– It is important to note that these features, discovered through APK decompilation, are not guaranteed to be released publicly, and there is no announced timeline for their rollout.
Google is reportedly developing significant updates for Android Auto, with code suggesting the potential addition of Google Cast support and a visual refresh for the media player aligning with the latest Material 3 design language. These findings, discovered within the latest beta version of the app, point toward a more integrated and modern in-car entertainment experience, though Google has not officially confirmed a release timeline.
Examination of the most recent Android Auto beta application reveals new code strings directly referencing Google Cast functionality. These strings include commands and status messages like “Cast,” “Cast. Connected,” and “Stop casting,” which are tied to the Media Router framework. While the code is somewhat generic, its presence strongly indicates work is underway to allow users to cast content to their car’s display from other devices, similar to the feature already available on Android Automotive OS. This move would align with Google’s broader efforts to expand video and streaming capabilities within the vehicle environment.
The code also highlights a requirement for devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the car or phone for casting to function, addressing a key technical consideration for seamless connectivity. Integrating Cast support would represent a major step in bridging mobile and automotive ecosystems, offering users greater flexibility in how they access audio and video content during their drives.
Alongside the casting hints, a separate UI update has been uncovered. This change showcases a redesigned media player interface that adopts Google’s Material 3 Expressive design system. The update features a new style of progress bar and refreshed button designs, visible both within full-screen music applications and the compact music widget on the Android Auto dashboard. This visual overhaul aims to deliver a more cohesive and contemporary look that matches the design evolution seen in other Google products.
It is important to note that features discovered in decompiled application code are not guaranteed to reach the public. They represent ongoing development work that Google may choose to alter, delay, or cancel entirely. The company has previously hinted at media player improvements, and the current state of the code suggests these design refinements have progressed significantly since those initial teases.
Ultimately, while these potential updates for Android Auto are promising, their final form and release date remain uncertain. Users will need to wait for an official announcement from Google to learn when, or if, these casting capabilities and the Material 3 redesign will become available in a stable public release.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
