Some phone kinds appeared to be more affected by the problem than others. The worst offenders appeared to be OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Samsung smartphones, which is an odd coincidence considering that same devices were among those impacted by an Android Auto flaw that caused icons to swell to insane sizes back in July. The Android Auto software should no longer cause problems for drivers, unlike other troubleshooting methods that advised doing an uninstall and reinstall. There are no longer any error warnings or dark displays, just pure Android Auto.
Your Android Auto problems may be resolved, however for the time being, we’re still using the same dated style. The most recent Android Auto flaw, which prevented some phones from being recognised as compatible with the software, came to our attention a few weeks ago. Thankfully, Google has made a few updates(opens in new tab) that are designed to fix the issue (per Android Police(opens in new tab)).
Highlights
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Hopefully the fix means Google can get back to the one Android Auto update people have been eagerly awaiting — namely the redesign that was announced at Google I/O back in May. The Android Auto refresh first leaked at the start of February, though it took Google until May to confirm it was happening. Android Auto would be getting a much-needed design refresh, which included a split-screen mode. That mode is set to include always-on media and navigation, with the option to use other apps without messing about with the homescreen.
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Google began rolling out the fixes on September 2, but initially targeted Samsung Galaxy Z series devices — including the new Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. The company also confirms that it may take time for the update to roll out to everyone, so anyone still experiencing issues should sit tight and be patient. This is, by all accounts, good news. Driving around solo, when you’re used to having Android Auto by your side, can be a little disconcerting. I know that from experience, having just had to send off my car’s infotainment unit for repair. Oh how I wish it had been a software issue, and not something that required several weeks without technology.
Google originally announced that the Android Auto refresh would arrive “just in time for the summer”. That suggested it might start rolling out before late June, when Summer officially began. But now we’re firmly in September, and just two weeks away from the official end of summer with no sign of any change.
The most important thing is that this design will adapt to your car’s screen. So it doesn’t matter how big or what bizarre shape it has, Android Auto will make the important stuff visible. There are also going to be closer ties with Assistant, and single-tap functionality, which will be invaluable tool when you can’t take your hands off the wheel.