Google is Rolling Out Smart Replies Feature, Digital Car Key, Always-On Music Button, More on Android Auto
In a future update, Android Auto will receive a slew of new features. Following the update, users will be able to send quick replies to messages via their vehicle’s touchscreen. Previously, Android Auto users could only respond to messages with their voice.
Furthermore, Google announced that Android Auto can now be set to launch automatically, and users can use their Android smartphones to lock, unlock, and even turn on compatible BMW vehicles. The changes were announced on Wednesday, along with other new Android platform features.
Google announced a few Android-based updates on the Keyword blog, including the addition of a few features to Android Auto to improve its in-car app.
One of them is the ability to respond to text messages via screen message prompts or by creating a custom response. This smart reply feature, which will use Google Assistant to improve responses, will be available soon.
In addition, Android Auto will get an always-on music play button. This will be visible at all times and will be placed on the home screen. Another feature that Google will be adding to its in-car app soon is the ability to search for music using the user’s voice from any of the media apps in Android Auto. According to the blog post, “just tap the new search icon and say your favorite artist or song for easy listening.”
Another feature that some Android Auto users will appreciate is the ability to lock, unlock, and start their compatible BMW vehicles. It’s called digital car key, and it’s only available on the Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S21 right now. Notably, Apple introduced the digital car keys feature for the iPhone last year, and it began rolling out to newer iPhone models earlier this year. Apple’s digital car key is currently only available for select luxury vehicles.
As previously stated, the latest Android Auto features were announced alongside other new Android platform features such as Family Bell alerts via Google Assistant, new Google Photos features, and more.
