Android Auto Gets a Video Player

May 18, 2026, 5:26 am | Read time: 2 minutes

Ahead of the Google I/O developer conference, Google held an event called “The Android Show.” New features for the Android operating system, which is also used in vehicles, were introduced. Users can look forward to various innovations aimed at enhancing the driving experience.

Android Auto with New Design

Android Auto is receiving a comprehensively revamped design. It is based on the well-known Material 3 expressive design of Android smartphones and offers new fonts and animations. The interface adapts flexibly to different display shapes, so it doesn’t matter whether the screens are round, square, or other shapes.

Additional widgets provide information at a glance. Particularly useful is the update for Google Maps, which appears in a detailed 3D view. This displays buildings, bridges, and terrain features, highlighting important elements like lanes, traffic lights, and stop signs to make navigation easier.

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Entertainment and AI Integration

For entertainment, Android Auto will soon support video playback. Apps like YouTube can play videos in Full HD at up to 60 frames per second in vehicles. During driving, playback automatically switches to audio mode if the apps support it–but only with a premium subscription.

The AI assistant Gemini will be more integrated into Android Auto. It assists with everyday tasks, answers questions, and helps with planning. With enhanced features, Gemini can recognize contexts from messages or emails and suggest appropriate responses. Orders, such as for food, can be made via voice command.

Extensions for Google Built-in

Vehicles with Google Built-in will also experience updates. Apps like Maps and Gemini are better integrated and use vehicle data for specific information. For example, Gemini can explain warning lights or check if an item fits in the trunk. An enhanced lane guidance in Google Maps uses the front camera to recognize the current lane.

Also of interest: Google announces the biggest Android update in years

Google has not specified an exact start date for the updates. However, the rollout is expected to occur gradually over the course of 2026.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.