The Android Auto mobile app is quite multifunctional, but it still lacks certain essential controls. For example, if you want to switch the air conditioning, set it to a different heating level, or reduce the ventilation, you have to go directly to the vehicle's infotainment and solve it there. Which is quite impractical. Google is aware of this, which is why it has already indicated some time ago that it intends to add HVAC buttons to Android Auto to manage these essential vehicle functions.
Development buttons for controlling air conditioning, fan and heating is not easy. There has even been speculation that Google has given up on its efforts and is Android Auto it will not add them at all. Portal Android Authority but now revealed that in the version Android Auto v16.7 The code includes an implementation of buttons for managing the climate control. And with them, the user interface will change.
It was originally planned that the air conditioning would be controlled from the bottom row of the screen. However, that would have been impractical, as there are already enough different elements here. Therefore, the developers decided to place the HVAC indicators to the right side of the screenThanks to this, they can be large enough, are conveniently accessible for the driver and passenger, and most importantly - thanks to them, it will not be necessary to switch to another system and set everything there.
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Google is silent for now
Strangely, Google has not yet officially commented on the addition of air conditioning to Android Auto. While it is clear from the previews that it is working on this improvement, it is also unclear when the feature might be ready. It could take several months.
Instead, the tech giant decided to heavily promote its Android Automotive, from which he wants to create a basic open-source system usable by all car manufacturers. It could replace their own infotainment and they could adapt the platform to their own needs and ideas. It is currently used by:
- Polestar
- General Motors
- Nissan
- Honda
- Renault Group
The advantage of this much more advanced system is that it also includes options such as climate control, lighting, and seat adjustment. Perhaps that is why many automakers are moving away from supporting Android Auto and are reaching for this much more advanced version, or perhaps a competing one. CarPlay UltraBut Google is clearly not giving up its fight and is still trying to develop both platforms.
