Google unveils Android Auto with new design and features

Google has recently rolled out a redesigned music player for all apps on Android Auto, including popular services like Spotify and Apple Music. The latest update, Android Auto 13.4, has been gradually released over the past week, introducing some of the most significant changes to the platform in quite some time.

One of the most noticeable updates in Android Auto 13.4 is the revamped music player. Previously, all audio apps shared a consistent design to ensure drivers did not have to relearn the layout for each app, promoting safety on the road. However, the latest update has brought a fresh look to the music player interface.

The new design relocates the album art to the left side of the screen, creating more space for the track progress bar, which displays the track title, artist, and time. The text size has been slightly reduced to accommodate the changes. Additionally, the buttons have been expanded to occupy the full width of the display, maintaining a familiar layout for users.

The most significant alteration is the repositioning of the track progress bar, enhancing the overall user experience. While the screenshots showcase Spotify, the redesign is expected to apply to all audio apps on Android Auto. The updated design also features the new Android Auto font, which has been recently implemented.

These changes hint at Google's upcoming "Car Media" update, which is anticipated to enable Android Auto to play local media, including radio stations. Despite these improvements, the new features are not yet live in the current update.