Google announced a major update to Android Auto at Google I/O 2025, including functionality for web browsing and video streaming apps. The purpose of these new features is to improve user interaction with infotainment systems and in-car entertainment. They do have two important prerequisites, though: the car must be compatible with the new platform and customers must have an Android 16 smartphone.
Android Auto: Video and Browser Apps Will Soon Be Available
According to Google, Android Auto will soon support two additional app categories: browser apps and video apps. These apps only work under specific conditions. For video apps to work, the car must be compatible and the connected smartphone must be running Android 16. Moreover, it is expected that these video applications will only function when the vehicle is parked. The move follows Google’s increasing relaxation of its rules for the kind of apps that can use Android Auto, which had previously placed a higher priority on communication, media playback, and navigation.
Future Plans for Additional Weather Apps
Weather apps will be more widely available for Android Auto and vehicles with Google built in, in addition to video and browser capability. Now that these apps are out of beta testing, developers have greater freedom to release them. Google explained that as long as the weather app satisfies its quality standards, any developer can now distribute it on Android Auto. This change will make more weather services available to drivers of all kinds of cars.
Google’s outlook for the future of Android Auto
Google sees Android Auto becoming more enjoyable and useful in the future. According to the business, consumers may soon notice that their infotainment systems offer features beyond standard driving help as more types of apps become available. This development is part of Google’s broader strategy to make Android Auto a complete in-car experience that improves user engagement while taking context and safety into consideration.
Topics #AndroidAuto #Google #GoogleIO2025 #Video Streaming