Android Auto adds video apps, music upgrades, and Gemini AI features
▼ Summary
– Android Auto will support 60fps, FHD video apps from brands like YouTube starting in 2026, initially in vehicles from BMW, Ford, and others.
– Video apps on Android Auto will have an audio-only mode that activates when the car shifts from park to drive.
– Android Auto will add Dolby Atmos audio support in supported apps and cars from brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
– Google Maps Immersive Navigation will feature edge-to-edge maps on Android Auto, and Android Automotive will get live lane guidance using the vehicle’s front-facing camera.
– Gemini Intelligence will come to Android Auto later this year, enabling context-aware actions like sending addresses and starting DoorDash orders via voice.
Google is rolling out a significant wave of upgrades for Android Auto throughout 2026, headlined by the arrival of video apps and deeper integration with Gemini AI. The platform is also receiving notable improvements to its audio and navigation capabilities.
For the first time, video streaming will be available on Android Auto. Starting with apps like YouTube, the system will support 60fps, FHD video playback in compatible vehicles. While Google hasn’t released a full list of supported models, the initial rollout will include cars from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. A key safety feature is the audio-only mode, which automatically activates when the car shifts from park into drive. Google has already begun testing this feature on YouTube in a limited capacity.
The audio experience is also getting a major upgrade with Dolby Atmos support. This immersive sound format will be available in supported apps and vehicles, with initial compatibility from BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. Additionally, media apps are gaining more flexible design options, a feature previewed at I/O 2025, with Spotify and YouTube Music showing early adaptations.
Navigation is becoming more intuitive. Google Maps Immersive Navigation is expanding on Android Auto with a new edge-to-edge map design that fills the entire display. For vehicles with Google built-in (Android Automotive), live lane guidance will integrate with the car’s front-facing camera, providing real-time, specific lane instructions. These cars will also benefit from improved media apps and the audio-only modes from Android Auto. Google has confirmed that a Zoom app for Android Auto is also on the way this year.
The most transformative update is the arrival of Gemini Intelligence later this year. The AI assistant will be able to understand your context and perform tasks on your behalf. Google demonstrated this with “Magic Cue,” which allows users to send an address directly from an Android Auto message notification, and the ability to start a DoorDash order using only voice commands through Gemini.
(Source: 9to5google.com)