What to know

  • Google is adding web browsing functionality to Android Auto, allowing you to access websites directly from your car's dashboard.
  • The feature will only work when your vehicle is parked, with safety measures preventing browsing while driving.
  • This update is part of Google's ongoing efforts to expand Android Auto's capabilities beyond navigation and media control.

Google is preparing to roll out a significant new feature for Android Auto that will let you browse the web directly from your car's dashboard display. This functionality, discovered in a recent APK teardown, represents a major expansion of what you can do with your car's infotainment system.

The new web browsing capability will come with important safety restrictions. You'll only be able to use the browser when your vehicle is parked. This prevents the obvious dangers of trying to surf the web while driving.

When the feature launches, you'll see a new browser icon in the Android Auto launcher. Tapping this will open a simplified browser interface designed specifically for the car environment. The browser appears to be built on Chrome and will likely support most standard websites.

This addition addresses a long-standing limitation of Android Auto. Until now, if you wanted to check a website, you needed to pick up your phone - defeating much of the purpose of having Android Auto in the first place.

The browser will join other recent additions to Android Auto like improved messaging capabilities and more customization options. Google has been steadily expanding the platform's functionality beyond its core navigation and media playback features.

There's no official release date for the web browser feature yet. Based on previous Android Auto updates, it will likely roll out gradually over the coming months. The feature was spotted in version 11.7 of the Android Auto app, which is currently in beta testing.

For safety reasons, the browser will display a warning message if you attempt to use it while the vehicle is in motion. This follows Google's established pattern of limiting distracting features when the car isn't parked.

This update puts Android Auto more in line with Tesla's infotainment system, which has offered web browsing capabilities for years. However, unlike Tesla, Android Auto runs on your phone and projects to your car's display, potentially allowing for more frequent updates and improvements.

Via: Android Police