Android Auto users have an exciting update to look forward to as Google rolls out a redesigned media player with its latest Android Auto 13.4 update. This revamped interface introduces fresh visuals, dynamic coloring, and improved usability, making music and podcast streaming in your car a more engaging experience.
The Redesigned Media Player: What’s New?
The Android Auto media player has remained largely the same since the platform’s major redesign last year. However, the latest update introduces a range of changes that bring it closer in design to Android’s Material You aesthetic, offering a cohesive experience for users.
Key Updates in the Redesigned Player
Dynamic Colors: Borrowing from Android’s Material You design, the media player now adapts its background and button colors to match the album art of the currently playing media.
Compact Album Art: Album art is now smaller, but this allows for a cleaner look and better emphasis on functional elements.
Enhanced Media Progress Bar: The progress bar has been repositioned to the right of the album art, making it more prominent and user-friendly. It now includes a visible handle for easier scrubbing through tracks.
Cross-Platform Consistency: The updated player looks and feels the same across various streaming apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music, ensuring a consistent user experience.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next?
While this update is primarily a visual refresh, speculation from industry insiders suggests that Google may be gearing up for more significant changes. Reports hint at a possible Car Media app in development, which could better integrate local media, AM/FM radio, and additional features into the Android Auto experience.
FAQs
The redesign introduces dynamic colors inspired by Android’s Material You design, repositioned and improved progress bars, and a cleaner layout with smaller album art.
While functionality remains consistent, the updated interface offers a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience across apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.
The updated media player is rolling out as part of the Android Auto 13.4 update and should reach all users in the coming weeks.
Not yet. However, industry speculation suggests Google may be preparing for more significant updates, including the potential release of a Car Media app.
Android Auto updates typically roll out automatically. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version on the Google Play Store.
Conclusion
This update is part of Android Auto version 13.4, which follows the October release of version 13. While the previous version focused on under-the-hood improvements, version 13.4 delivers a visible upgrade to enhance the in-car entertainment experience just in time for the new year.