Android Auto redesign is coming — and so are some cool new features

(Epitome credit: Futurity)

Android Auto does non have the best interface. Merely those of y'all who just tin't stand the fashion Google'due south software looks are in luck, because it looks like the long-rumored Android Automobile redesign could be here fairly soon.

Images of the new UI, codenamed "coolwalk" , have surfaced on Reddit and Android World, showing some pretty extensive changes to Android Auto'due south expect. It'southward very similar to what we first saw back in September, simply there are some key changes. More than to the point, there as well seem to be some interesting new features coming forth for the ride.

android auto coolwalk image leak with docked widgets — (Paradigm credit: RegionRat91/Reddit)

Gone is the dock at the bottom of the screen, where things like the music-playback controls lived. Instead, there's a dedicated toolbar, complete with bones phone data such as bombardment capacity and cell-indicate strength, a notifications icon and a Google Assistant microphone. In that location'south also what looks like a home-screen button simply also seems to actuate retractable widgets for features similar atmospheric condition and music playback.

It seems Android Auto has fabricated changes to how information technology behaves when navigation is running. Not merely does the lesser bar announced to prove some navigational information when the map isn't open, but the widgets menu lets you do things while nonetheless showing a portion of the map.

android auto coolwalk image leak shpowing navigation screen and docked widgets — (Image credit: Android World)

This is, honestly, fantastic. The number of times I've had to forgo the visual-navigation cues so I can make a call or bargain with music playback is ridiculous. Sometimes vocalism controls simply don't cutting it, and closing the navigation makes it much harder to go stuff done. That's never a good affair when yous have to concentrate on the road.

The split-screen design is also very reminiscent of Apple's CarPlay, which suggests that Google has been looking at the competition to see how Android Car can improve.

android auto coolwalk image leak — (Image credit: Reddit)

Also revealed is a new casting feature that seems to mirror your phone'south display on your car screen. That could be useful if y'all need to practise something that Android Car or Google Banana doesn't support. Merely don't employ this characteristic every bit an excuse to lookout man Netflix while you lot drive, because the law will not similar that.

Android auto coolwalk leak with reject call SMS button — (Image credit: Android World)

The ability to reject calls with a text message has also been spotted by Android World. That way, y'all can dismiss calls and inform people that y'all're driving with a single push of a push. It will be interesting to come across if this feature can transport a pre-ready text bulletin, or if you lot accept to dictate something to Google Assistant. Both would exist a overnice pick.

There's no telling when this new version of Android Auto might roll out, especially since it's not been confirmed by Google. These screenshots were only uncovered by people manipulating the Google services database. At that place's no update or APK that you tin can install to magically become the new interface for yourself.

Hopefully, the fact that the changes tin can be institute in the Google Play Services app means we don't take to expect too long to check it out for ourselves. We'll bring yous more on this every bit and when we hear information technology.

Tom is the Tom's Guide'south Automotive Editor, which means he tin normally be constitute knee deep in stats the latest and all-time electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long style from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He'southward usually establish trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or lament that Ikea won't let him purchase the stuff he really needs online.