Developer malebuffy has released Android Auto Maker, an open-source utility that modifies APK or XAPK files so they register in Android Auto's 'parked apps and games' category, letting users run games, video players and other apps on a car's infotainment screen while parked. An advanced version reportedly extends this to navigation apps usable while driving, provided Shizuku stays active and the phone screen remains unlocked.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-26
A teardown of Android Auto version 18.1.164344-release.daily by Android Authority uncovered new strings indicating a 'Remember this choice' feature for contacts with multiple saved numbers. The strings also show a message confirming when a default number has been set, which users could reportedly change by selecting the contact again. Google has not confirmed the feature publicly, and it is not yet available to users.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-26
Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can drain phone batteries and cause overheating because the device simultaneously runs normal phone functions and powers a tablet-like dashboard display, including a constantly updating map. The guidance recommends using a wired connection when possible, while cautioning that constant charging can itself generate heat, and suggests setting charge limits in phone settings or keeping the device in a cool, shaded spot in the car.
wired.com
· 2026-10-25
Google is rolling out Gemini integration in Google Maps for Apple CarPlay, letting drivers ask multi-step questions, request route changes like avoiding tolls, and report traffic incidents by voice while navigating. The feature is accessed via a Gemini icon that appears during turn-by-turn navigation. It's live now in the US with a global rollout underway.
9to5google.com
· 2026-10-21
Google has started rolling out Gemini in navigation to the iOS version of Google Maps used through Apple CarPlay. A new Gemini icon now appears in the Maps interface, letting drivers ask conversational questions to find stops, report traffic issues, or get place information. The rollout began today for US and global CarPlay users, though Google notes it may take a few days to reach all devices.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-21
Google has launched its Gemini AI assistant within Google Maps for Apple CarPlay users in the US, with a wider global rollout underway. Drivers can tap a Gemini icon on their car's display to ask multi-step, hands-free questions, like finding a place and then getting directions there while avoiding tolls, or reporting traffic issues.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-21
Google is rolling out its Personal Intelligence feature for Gemini to Android Auto starting today, with support for vehicles running Google Built-in software arriving in the coming months. The feature, which lets Gemini draw on personal data like Gmail, Calendar and Photos to answer queries, remains optional for users.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-10-20
Google has begun bringing its Gemini Personal Intelligence feature, which lets the assistant draw on data from linked Google apps like Gmail, to Android Auto. The rollout starts globally today, excluding Switzerland, the EEA, UK and Nigeria, and the company plans to extend it to cars with Google built-in in coming months.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-20
Google has begun rolling out Gemini Personal Intelligence to Android Auto, letting the assistant draw on a driver's Gmail, Calendar, Photos and other Google apps while in the car. The feature is opt-in, letting users choose which apps and data sources Gemini can access for more tailored responses.
zdnet.com
· 2026-10-20
Google is rolling out a 'Personal Intelligence with Gemini' feature for vehicles that pulls data from Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, Maps and Search history to personalize responses while driving. The feature launches today in Android Auto and will reach cars with Google Built-in in coming months, requiring users to opt in.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-10-20
Google is rolling out a Personal Intelligence feature for Gemini AI in Android Auto starting today, with support for cars featuring Google built-in arriving in coming months. The feature lets Gemini pull information from Gmail, Calendar, Maps, Photos, YouTube, and Search to answer context-specific driving questions, such as checking a flight status from an email confirmation or navigating to a location shown in a recent photo.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-20
Spotify users have long reported music starting automatically in their cars even after disabling the 'Start music automatically' toggle in Android Auto. Spotify's support team says the issue often stems from connected Bluetooth devices sending a 'play' command upon reconnecting, rather than from the app itself. There is no single fix, though toggling settings, unpairing Bluetooth devices, or removing Spotify from Android Auto can sometimes help.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-20
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