Google plan to discontinue the Android Auto app for Android headphone , and has created a new room to navigate using Google Assistant in Google Maps . Today Google said its raw Google Assistantdriving modefor Android phones is getting a new dashboard that ’s easy to use hand - innocent and wo n’t require you to set a terminus in Maps to get start . The Assistant driving mode will be bake into Android 12 when it roll out in the coming workweek , and the new splashboard will also be available on phones that ca n’t advance to 12 .

All you have to say is , “ Hey Google , permit ’s drive , ” and the unexampled driving way rocket launcher will look over the usual dwelling house screen . you’re able to also set a favorite Bluetooth gimmick to make the drive modal value belt down up once you ’ve turned on your railroad car and before you hit the road . you may scan more about how to set it uphere .

It ’s important to note that this change is specific to Android telephone , not the in - dash edition of Android Auto on your car ’s exhibit . If your auto lacks an in - dash display , you’re able to apply the phone interlingual rendition as a relief , and this update will make that well-to-do .

Google’s bringing a ton of new Assistant-led features to Android Auto on the phone and in the dash.

Google’s bringing a ton of new Assistant-led features to Android Auto on the phone and in the dash.Image: Google

Google calls the Assistant driving mode part of its “ voice - forward ” approach to facilitate citizenry use their devices safely while they ’re behind the rack . The party has been ferment on the changeover from the Android Auto app for phones since November 2020 , when it plunge the original Assistant drive way within the Google Maps app . The dispute now is that the feature film will be part of Android 12 , and it ’s no longer a standalone characteristic . It also wo n’t be uncommitted for iOS twist users .

Like the presently - to - be phase - out Android Auto app for smartphones , you may still get notifications understand aloud as they get in by asking Google to turn onauto - read . Automatic recommendations will bolt down on the map regardless if you ’re in navigation mode , as will entertainment recommendation from the apps you have installed on your smartphone . The young Google Assistant drive mode will also work with third - party railway car accessory like theRoav Bolt .

The newfangled Assistant driving mode features will start turn over out over the hail weeks , both as part of Android 12 and as an update for telephone set on older Android software . Google said that drug user trust on older versions of the Android Auto app or Assistant driving mode in Google Maps will be “ guided towards this experience , ” but that the app will remain in thePlay Storefor the time being . If you kick upstairs to Android 12 , the Android Auto phone app will go aside .

Say “Hey Google, let’s drive” and the Assistant driving mode dashboard will pop up on your phone.

Say “Hey Google, let’s drive” and the Assistant driving mode dashboard will pop up on your phone.Gif: Google

Android Auto Changes Coming to the Car

Google is also add new feature article to Android Auto on car displays . The Assistant will start to serve more music , news , and podcast good word on the main show , and it will be able to switch apps on the screen with a vocalization command . Dual - SIM Android users will also be able to switch between different earphone numbers . And Android Auto will support piece of work profile in the railcar , so you ’ll see detail for meetings and counseling integrate with the rest of your living .

Though it might seem contrary to the whole hands - free part of using Android Auto , Google is also bringing games to the display , though only once Android Auto has detect that your car is parked . GameSnacksgames are design to help folks pass the time as they ’re , say , wait in the school day pickup line . It ’s also to help discourage you from ever putting your hand on your smartphone .

Another feature to bet out for in Android Auto is the ability to pay for gas using only your interpreter . Shout “ pay for natural gas , ” and the Assistant will ask for your pump act before it get going the transaction within Google Pay . The hands - free payment ability will be available at more than 32,500 natural gas station when it starts to twine out , set out with select Exxon and Mobile stations . Google plans to finally add financial backing for Shell , Conoco , Phillips 66 , and 76 stations over time .

An example of what the game apps will look like in Android Auto once the car is in Park.

An example of what the game apps will look like in Android Auto once the car is in Park.Image: Google

Google Built Right Into the Car

Google announced that Honda will protrude to use the Android Automotive platform in model like the Civic beginning in 2022 . Honda joinsFord , General Motors , Polestar , Renault , and Volvo in offering Android Automotive in its vehicles .

Android Automotive tend directly in the railway car and is more integrated with the rest of the ironware . you could apply Android Automotive to control parts of the car you ca n’t with regular Android Auto , like the HVAC and instrument clustering .

Electric vehicle will also get some novel features in Android Automotive . The OS will show more targeted selective information , like institutionalise station locations and whether they ’re readily uncommitted .

Ugreentracker

As a longtime user of the Android Auto app for the smartphone — since its unveiling in 2015 — I’m glad to take heed some much - needed changes are coming to how Android does infotainment in the car . The conversion has n’t been easy for those of us who have dumb cars without displays . The Assistant drive mood within Google Maps stay on severely limited compare to the Android Auto for phones app — at least until the updated Assistant driving modal value undulate out . It ’s unclouded the app has n’t receive a significant update in a long time , and it does n’t have anywhere near the polish of Android Auto in the bolt .

I ’m curious how speedily the changeover will occur and if it ’ll be as fluid for non - Pixel smartphones that are n’t upgrading to Android 12 on day one . For now , it looks like I ’ll go on to use the Android Auto app for telephone set until the Assistant - pass drive mode is a sure thing on my gimmick .

Daily Newsletter

Get the just tech , science , and finish news in your inbox day by day .

newsworthiness from the future , delivered to your present .

You May Also Like

How To Watch French Open Live On A Free Channel

Argentina’s President Javier Milei (left) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., holding a chainsaw in a photo posted to Kennedy’s X account on May 27. 2025.

William Duplessie

Starship Test 9

Lilo And Stitch 2025

CMF by Nothing Phone 2 Pro has an Essential Key that’s an AI button

Photo: Jae C. Hong

Ugreentracker

How To Watch French Open Live On A Free Channel

Argentina’s President Javier Milei (left) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., holding a chainsaw in a photo posted to Kennedy’s X account on May 27. 2025.

William Duplessie

Roborock Saros Z70 Review

Polaroid Flip 09

Feno smart electric toothbrush

Govee Game Pixel Light 06