(Download) Android Auto 13.1 APK Stable and New Features
Android Auto just got a major version change with v13.1 released to stable channel. Android Auto 13.1 skipped the beta version went directly to stable version. The update features new settings library expressive text collapse and expand, suggesting new animations and visual design for the text areas. Apart from this, the compatibility with Google Maps and more Android phones and car head units have been improved. So fewer crashes and smoother experience. Here, download and install Android Auto 13.1 APK and see all the new features.
As we reported earlier, Google just pushed Android Auto 13 to stable channel adding code for supercharger connector and NACS charging standards to Android Auto EV settings. The update also 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.
Android Auto 13.1 Features through APK Breakdown
Our APK Breakdown series, unveils new features implemented in the latest Android app updates, including the latest Android Auto. For instance, we first revealed new features like the new System Health Metrics, Car Radio Controls feature, new notification app badges, new animations, support for new OEM cars like Lucid.
Settings Library Expressive
New code was added to Android Auto 13.1 which is the only major change from previous Android Auto 13. It related to systemlib expressive.
<public type="string" name="settingslib_expressive_text_collapse"/>
<public type="string" name="settingslib_expressive_text_expand"/><public type="id" name="settingslib_expressive_learn_more"/>
<public type="layout" name="settingslib_expressive_collapsable_textview"/>
<public type="layout" name="settingslib_expressive_preference"/>
<public type="layout" name="settingslib_expressive_preference_icon_frame"/>
<public type="layout" name="settingslib_expressive_preference_switch"/>
<public type="layout" name="settingslib_expressive_preference_text_frame"/>
<public type="layout" name="settingslib_expressive_two_target_divider"/>Let’s analyze what this means:
The prefix “expressive” in settingslib_expressive_* likely denotes a design language or set of UI elements that offer more visually dynamic, interactive, or aesthetic behavior compared to standard elements. This is typically done to improve user experience by making the interface more engaging or intuitive, especially important in vehicle settings for Android Auto, where user interaction needs to be smooth and clear.
The term “settingslib_expressive” in the context of the Android resources you provided refers to a specific set of resources within the settingslib library, with the keyword “expressive” indicating that these resources are part of an enhanced or visually distinct design system.
Here’s what “settingslib_expressive” likely implies:
Breakdown of “settingslib_expressive”:
settingslib:
settingslibis a common Android library for managing settings UI and components. It’s likely used to standardize how settings are displayed across different parts of the Android system, particularly in Android Auto.
expressive:
- The term “expressive” suggests that these resources are part of a customized or more visually dynamic UI compared to standard settings. It typically refers to elements that are more interactive, aesthetic, or adaptive. In design terms, “expressive” usually indicates elements that visually stand out, offer more interaction, or are animated to improve user experience.
- This could include more sophisticated animations, collapsible elements, unique padding or spacing, rounded corners, etc., making the interface feel more modern and responsive.
settingslib_expressive_text_collapse / settingslib_expressive_text_expand (Strings):
- These strings represent the labels for expanding and collapsing text views, indicating user interaction options. Being “expressive” could suggest that the expand/collapse behavior is visually enhanced, with animations or transitions that make it feel smoother or more engaging.
NACS for Android Auto
NACS stands for North American Charging Standard. This is the primary connector type for Tesla vehicles and is designed for high-speed charging. Tesla’s Supercharger network is a fast charging system designed for electric vehicles (EVs), primarily Tesla models, but increasingly accessible to other brands. The supercharger’s main connector standard NACS is getting popular in the United States and also available for other brands like Ford. This standardization marks a significant shift in EV infrastructure.
Android Auto users with EVs and NACS connector can now benefit from this new feature.
In the latest Android Auto 13 APK breakdown, we saw the following codes:
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_connector_supercharger”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_connector_type_nacs”/>
Android Auto is working on support for Tesla supercharger with NACS support.
Does this mean Android Auto is coming to Tesla?
Probably not. Upon digging deeper into the Android Auto EV settings, we found a new toggle for NACS (non-Tesla) But it says non-Tesla. This feature will now show Tesla superchargers with NACS standards in Google Maps for Android Auto.
Note: Used Head Unit Reloaded (HUR) to obtain the above screenshot for better representation. You should find the same settings on your car’s head unit as well.
Google may be planning for more features than just displaying Tesla supercharger connectors in Android Auto. As more EVs support Tesla superchargers, Android Auto may utilize more information.
Newer features in Android Auto
- Google may be testing Gemini Live assistant for Android Auto.
- Android Auto Now Features Google Maps Incident Reporting, here’s how to enable.
- Google Maps will now show live speed alongside the speed limit for the route. As for Android Auto, it will most likely be released in the next update.
Download Android Auto 13.1 APK
New Android Auto 13.1.644204 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 13.1 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.
