Google drives new Nav Bar into Android Auto

The new design will roll out to all Android Auto compatible cars “later this summer”, says the company.

Android Auto update

Last week, Rod Lopez – Product Manager at Android Auto – outlined the forthcoming changes, involving a new navigation bar and notification centre.

With the new nav bar, you’ll be able to see turn-by-turn directions and control your apps on the same screen with just one tap.

There’s also a new Notification Center for managing communications – showing recent calls, messages and alerts, so you can choose to view, listen or respond at an appropriate time.

And if your car has a wider screen, the system will maximises the use of your display to show more information, such as next-turn directions and playback controls.

Finally, in terms of design, there is…

“A color palette that’s easy on the eyes: We’re evolving Android Auto’s design to fit in better with your car’s interior. A dark theme, coupled with colorful accents and easier to read fonts, also helps improve visibility.”

Android Auto launch

The system was launched by Sundar Pichai – then SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google – back in 2014.

“Just connect your Android phone to a car with Android Auto, and you’ll have what you need at your fingertips such as turn-by-turn navigation from Google Maps, your curated playlists and radio stations through Play Music, simple-to-use voice search, and reminders from Google Now. This is accessible through your car’s controls, and more importantly, is far safer than fumbling around with your phone. You’ll start to see Android Auto in cars later this year.”

Google’s automotive system now supports “more than 500 car models from 50 different brands”, according to the compnay.