Download Android Auto 12.9 Beta Update
New Android Auto 12.9 update pushed to the beta channel. The update features several under the hood optimization and removed a great deal of bloatware and unnecessary code. The Android Auto update is expected to load faster and smoother in operation. Let’s checkout what’s new in Android Auto 12.9 beta and download it below.
Our APK Breakdown series, unveils a bunch of things in the latest Android app updates, including the latest Android Auto. For instance, we first revealed new features like the new Car Radio Controls feature, System Health Metrics, new notification app badges & animations, support for new OEM cars.
Moreover, Google may be testing Gemini Live assistant for Android Auto. AI assistants may be coming to cars with Android Auto via Google’s brand new Gemini AI. As we reported previously in our report about AI Assistants could come to Cars with Android Auto with Google Gemini, we have confirmation that Gemini might replace Google Assistant in the near future.
Android Auto Lite
Comparing, we found that the latest Android Auto update has been heavily debloated, meaning removed a bunch of code to make it lighter. The app should be responsive for many car head units of different sizes.
Furthermore, Google Maps app just recently updated with a new show live speed and speed limit on Android and iPhone now displays live speed information during navigation. This is a long-awaited feature since Google announced it earlier this year for Android, iOS, CarPlay, and Android Auto. It was also featured in our previous report about the Google Maps’ with traffic reporting.
Google Maps will not show live speed alongside the speed limit for the route. It will also automatically change the speed limit for different locations. This new feature is being added slowly for Android, iOS, and CarPlay. As for Android Auto, it will most likely be released in the next update. So stay tuned.
Another possible app integration that Google may be testing is the replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini. The search giant has been persistently forcing Android users to use Gemini AI. With Gemini Live coming, you could have natural conversations with AI in your cars too.
Android Auto 12.9 beta update also fixed the Google Maps app ending wireless Android Auto connection bug. If you have been experiencing wireless connectivity issues, it is highly recommended to update to the latest Android Auto and Google Maps update on your phone.
Gemini Live for Android Auto?
The latest feature Google is testing is the Gemini Live action trigger, which is outlined by the code found in the latest Android Auto update. We found the following source code assistant kitt live and a new icon under for the same, which suggests a new assistant like Gemini Live, which is essentially a replacement to Google Assistant.
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_assistant_kitt_live_icon”/>
<public type=”string” name=”gearhead_assistant_action_kitt_live_query”/>
Android Authority’s post about it also suggest that Gemini could make its way to Android Auto.
What is Gemini Live and what are the features? Gemini Live is the new voice mode from Google, similar to ChatGPT Voice Mode. It is a new mobile conversational experience that allows users the ability to have natural, conversational interactions for complex tasks like brainstorming job ideas.
The actual implementation may come in the future with an option to switch between Google Assistant and Gemini Live same as your phone. Google Assistant may soon be in the Killed By Google list.
Apart from Gemini, we also found a new material_map_template_layout which suggest that a redesigned Google Maps template may be on its way for different car head units.
<public type=”layout” name=”material_map_template_layout”/>
Android Auto will receive car radio controls for FM and AM, similar to Apple’s Car Play. This radio on your car feature got an upgrade with a new favorite label. You will be able to add mark your favorite radio channels on Android Auto.
Here is the source code we found in the latest update:
<public type=”string” name=”radio_add_favorite_label”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_am_display_name”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_dab_display_name”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_favorites_display_name” />
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_fm_display_name”/>
<public type=”string” name=”radio_node_fm_hd_display_name”/>
Android Auto gets Live Traffic Reporting in Google Maps
Moreover, the biggest announcement for this month is that Google Maps gets a new Reporting Feature available for Android, iOS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With this new update, Google will crowdsource traffic reports, constructions, police, lane closures, and more and report to everyone on Google Maps; similar to Waze.
The last few updates were quite extensive in terms of functionality and implementing features for Android Auto. The latest Android Auto 12.9 has been pushed to beta channel that is a small update compared to Android Auto 12.5.
Checkout all the new features in Android Auto from our previous article like support for Lucid Motors, System Health Metrics, and Notification badges. Here is the Complete List of Car Manufacturers Supported by Android Auto.
Download Android Auto 12.9 Stable
New Android Auto 12.9.143804 stable APK is now available for download. Get the APK and sideload onto your phone. Or, sign up for beta and get it officially from the Google Play Store.
- Android Auto APK 12.9 stable (arm64)
Download Android Auto from Play Store
The official Android Auto listing is now available on Play Store. However, the latest version takes some time to reflect as it is a phased update. As an alternative, download APK from above or sign up for beta version.
