GoKawiilAndy Walker / Android Authority
TL;DR The latest Android Auto v16.7 includes code for a new climate control interface, indicating the feature is still in development and not abandoned.
Controls have moved from the bottom rail to the side edges, offering larger buttons that are easier to use on wide car screens.
The current layout favors left-hand-drive vehicles. It remains to be seen if Google will add a toggle for right-hand-drive markets.
Last year, we spotted Google finally working to bring HVAC controls to Android Auto. This would allow users to control several in-car settings without needing to switch out of Android Auto into their car’s head unit OS. We even managed to get an early look at the HVAC controls within Android Auto back then. However, Google has remained silent about this feature, and we couldn’t find any further progress in the code. With the latest Android Auto, we’re finally seeing some progress that reassures us that the feature isn’t shelved yet.
In our previous spotting (see the image below), the HVAC controls were located on the bottom rail, alongside your pinned app icons.
AssembleDebug / Android Authority
The latest Android Auto v16.7.161544 release includes code for a newer UI for the upcoming HVAC controls within Android Auto. We managed to activate it to give you an early look:
The new UI, called “hero” in the app code, moves the climate controls to the left and right edges of the display. Most car head units are wider rather than taller, so users will find that the climate control buttons take up less usable screen real estate. The buttons are bigger and more spread out, making them easier to tap without getting distracted.
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