Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Android Auto Embraces Gaming with New Feature in Beta Update
Google is expanding the capabilities of Android Auto by introducing integrated gaming support. This update, currently in beta, will allow users to play popular mobile games such as Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds 2 directly on their compatible car’s touchscreen. The new functionality is part of the latest Android 14.1 beta release, which is now being distributed to testers.
Select Games Available Initially
At launch, the gaming feature within Android Auto supports a curated selection of four titles. Alongside the aforementioned Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds 2, users can also access Farm Heroes Saga and Beach Buggy Racing. For these games to function on the in-car display, they must first be installed on the user’s connected smartphone.
Safety is paramount, and these entertainment options are only accessible when the vehicle is stationary. Independent testing by tech news site 9to5Google confirmed that shifting the car out of park immediately terminates the game and grays out the icon within the app interface.
Fullscreen App Support and Future Implications
This development marks the debut of fullscreen application support within Android Auto. While it remains unclear whether this functionality will be extended to other types of applications beyond gaming, it signifies a step towards feature parity with vehicles equipped with Google built-in. These integrated systems already offer a broader spectrum of games playable while parked, suggesting Google aims to create a more unified in-car entertainment experience.
Beta Rollout and Broader Availability
Google initially announced the introduction of gaming support for Android Auto earlier this month as part of its March feature enhancements. While the company has yet to specify a definitive timeline for when this option will transition out of beta and become widely available, the current beta rollout indicates progress. This is not the first foray into games on Android Auto; a limited number of basic HTML5-based titles were previously introduced in 2021 through Google’s GameSnacks service. The current integration, however, represents a significant step forward in bringing richer gaming experiences to the in-car environment.