Android Auto 12.4 beta update: Here is everything new in AA so far
Android Auto v12.4 is now available for download on the beta channel, featuring under the hood bug fixes and over all stability for the connectivity. However, some users have reported that wired connectivity is breaking and phones can be only connected wirelessly. It could be an isolated incidence. If you see wired connectivity breaking, revert to Android Auto stable version.
Devices running Android 15, 14, and 13 should now see the new Material You design complementing the Coolwalk for the car head unit. Other changes mostly include under the hood stability and compatibility features.
The previous Google Maps update broke Android Auto, it has been fixed with the new GMaps update, even on stable channel. The latest update may have fixed Android Auto automatically switching to Google Maps when users request navigation through Google Assistant bug; found in previous update. Read all about Android Auto Car Ready Mobile Apps for Compatibility with More Apps here.
Here we have a comprehensive list of all the new features added to Android Auto so far.
Everything New in Android Auto So Far
- Google’s major update for Android Auto features Material Your design for your phone settings app; which complements Coolwalk UI on your Android Auto. The new UI is streamlined to match the Material You Design across all the apps on latest Android OS.
- Android Auto also lets you completely disable Message Notifications with an added option for Notifications with Assistant.
- Android Auto also added a permanent toggle for Weather widget for car head unit, alongside a toggle in the phone settings. However, it may not always show up as it is a server side update.
- AI Summaries for messages in Android Auto. Using AI, Android Auto will automatically summarize lengthy texts or busy group chats while driving, ensuring your attention remains on the road rather than on your phone’s unfolding activities. It will not only propose relevant actions and responses but also execute them seamlessly, eliminating the need for you to physically handle your phone.
- Phone Icons and Wallpaper for your Car Displays: AA also brings new features like wallpaper for your car dashboard set on your phone. It also features a new set of icons that reflects your phone’s default icon shape.
- Google is working on real-time battery information on Android Auto on Google Maps; great for electric vehicles. Planned trips from Google Maps from phone to their cars would be a great feature to have.
- The latest update may have fixed Android Auto automatically switching to Google Maps when users request navigation through Google Assistant bug; found in previous update.
- Google Podcasts is no longer available as the app nears end-of-life, and the official replacement, YouTube Music is here for Android Auto integration. If you have the Google Podcast app available, it is wise to uninstall it.
- New UI for Google Assistant takes up less space on the screen.
- Electric vehicles using Android Auto can now share battery data with Google Maps, providing drivers with estimated arrival battery level and suggesting charging stops.
- Cars with Google built-in can now send planned trips from Google Maps on phones directly to the car.
- New apps like Chrome browser (beta for select cars), PBS KIDS, Crunchyroll, and The Weather Channel app are available for Android Auto for some cars.
- Digital car key functionality is expanding to more cars.
Download Android Auto 12.4 APK
- Android Auto APK 12.4 beta (arm64)
