Today, Google announced several additions and changes to Android Auto, among several other announcements. The biggest of these is the ability to personalize the launcher, allowing it to be more tailored to your individual preferences.
This can be done from the phone used to connect to Android Auto, a long overdue feature. This update also includes a manual dark mode option. In addition, the media app now has new tabs to make browsing content even easier.
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Google's Messages now appear on the home screen for quicker access. To make the UI easier to navigate, Google has also added a "Back to Top" option and an A-to-Z scroll bar. The company has also smoothed out the onboarding process for new Android Auto users.
There is also a new app that includes EV charging station locations and a new parking and navigation program. These features will soon begin rolling out globally as long as you have a compatible vehicle. This would also mean aftermarket Android Auto head units.
But that's not all Google announced today. The company also mentioned that its earthquake alert system is coming to some new countries that routinely have problems with earthquakes. The "Messages" app, while still a fancy SMS intermediary, now allows users to star messages for later return.
The "Emoji Kitchen," which displays emojis you've used before, will get a contextual upgrade to help you find the best emoji for the situation.
Similarly, Google will improve and add functionality to its accessibility feature, Voice Access. Users will be able to enter passwords and eye detection will be enhanced, the latter of which will allow voice access to work only when a person is looking directly at the phone.
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