What you need to know
- The latest update to Android Auto includes a “P” icon for apps with parking restrictions only, making it more visible to users.
- Previously, trying to use these apps while driving would result in an error message.
- Android Auto is also rolling out a new road safety feature called Message Summary.
Android Auto will show which apps only run while your car is parked.
according to SmartDroidIn the latest software update 11.4, only apps with parking restrictions will now show a small “P” icon in the bottom right corner of the home page. Previously, users trying to use these apps while driving would receive an error message.
The indicator will appear on apps like games and video streaming, and is primarily intended for electric car owners to use while the car is charging, including GameSnacks, a collection of touch-based games for Android Auto users.
We're not entirely on board with the idea of bringing video games into a car's infotainment system, but it's easy to understand the need for entertainment during wait times.
This way, at a quick glance, users can easily see which apps are best used while the car is in motion and which aren't.
Android Auto and similar platforms enhance a car's infotainment system. Unlike older legacy systems, it's great. The downside is safety concerns with such rich features. Fortunately, Google is fixing this in the latest update.
Another new road safety feature now available on Android Auto is Message Summary, according to Android Auto 9to5Google. It condenses long text messages into summaries that can be listened to while driving. The catch is that messages containing more than 40 words will be rephrased, while messages containing less than 40 words will be read in full.
However, because the summary is generated by artificial intelligence, its accuracy may vary. The original message will still be visible on your phone, so you may want to check the original text before relying on the AI's response.
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