CES: Making WhatsApp calls with Android Auto is coming soon


The Android Auto platform already allows Android users to connect their smartphone to their car screen. A very handy feature when you want to use Google Maps to navigate or listen to music during your journey. Soon, on the latest Pixel and Samsung smartphones, you will also be able to make calls using WhatsApp with Android Auto.

Google announced this new feature on Thursday, along with several other new features. These Android Auto updates were unveiled at CES 2023. Note that car manufacturers and other companies involved in the automotive industry are increasingly present at CES.

Responding to one of the top customer requests for Android Auto, Google also announced the introduction of a search progress bar for music and podcasts on the platform, so users can move forward in a song or episode.

Share your arrival time, see missed call reminders and onscreen shortcuts

The platform now also makes “smart” suggestions. This allows for example to share your arrival time, view missed call reminders, but also on-screen shortcuts to reply to messages or call your favorite contacts.

At the same time, Google announced the sharing of digital car keys to Samsung phones. Xiaomi users will be able to both use and share digital car keys later this year. Note that Google has already introduced digital key sharing on Pixel phones and iPhones.

Android Auto’s new design has three priorities for drivers: navigation, communication and playing music or podcasts. To this end, Maps now appears on your screen closer to the driver’s seat, in order to be easier to see. Plus, the new media card takes the best of Material You to showcase your favorite album art. There’s also a new app launcher that lets you quickly access recently used apps.

Google has also entered into new partnerships with car manufacturers to increase the number of car brands that offer Google built-in. This allows you to use Google apps directly from the car screen without the need for a phone. Honda is offering Google built-in in the 2023 Accord Touring model, while brands like Ford are expected to introduce it later this year.

Find all the announcements from CES 2023

Source: ZDNet.com





Source link -97