Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Learn more.
Android Auto update sounds perfect for an old school road trip
In This Article
The advent of the smartphone-based infortainment systems – with on-screen access to streaming music and podcasts – has somewhat sidelined the humble car radio.
But perhaps not for much longer.
A9to5Googlesleuth has delved into the back end code for Google’s Android Auto app and has discovered possible support for that disused AM/FM dial.
Save big on the Pixel Buds Pro this Prime Day
The Pixel Buds Pro have dropped to just £129 in Amazon’s Prime Day sale. That’s a 35% discount compared to the Google earbud’s usual £199 price.
The APK insight into Android Auto, v12.3 and v12.4 uncovers mentions of AM, FM, DAB and HD Radios, as well as the phrases “Car Radio” and “Radio program not available”.
While the feature isn’t yet live, it may be that Google is going to integrate the radio controls in the near feature.
Integration with the car radio would represent another step towards wider inclusion of some of the car’s major instruments. There is movement towardssystems like CarPlayand Android Auto taking over the entire dashboard and showing the speedometer, fuel levels and such.
It’s not clear that advancements Google is having to make to Android Auto to integrate the car radio. However, it’d be a welcome development. Sometimes, you just need a good old fashioned radio station that’ll pick the bangers for you.
The last majorAndroid Auto update was announced in May. It included Google Cast support for Android Automotive cars, starting with the Rivian electric cars. Google said it would enable passengers (not drivers!) to “easily cast video content from your phone or tablet to the car, opening up even more entertainment options.”
Elsewhere, Google says there are some new streaming apps coming to cars with Google built-in. The Angry Birds game (amazed that’s still a thing tbh) is one of them, as well as the Max and Peacock streaming apps. Google is also working to make it easier for developers to convert their apps for Android Auto.
You might like…
Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He’s based in South Florida, USA. …
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
