Android Auto gets a renewed look, Full HD streaming and improved navigation
The Android Auto platform is undergoing an important visual renovation, incorporating Material 3 Expressive and offering a series of new features for drivers. Among the new features that promise to improve the onboard experience, the ability to display videos in Full HD at 60 frames per second stands out, raising the level of entertainment inside the vehicle.
This visual update is driven by Material 3 Expressive, the latest design language developed by Google and which was launched with Android 16. The new aesthetic is characterized by the striking use of vibrant colors to differentiate components, distinct geometric shapes, fluid animations and carefully chosen typography, aiming to optimize clarity and give a unique appearance to the interface.
On the same topic: Google Phone app adopts new Material 3 design with more compact navigation bar in version 204
Within Android Auto, this redesign includes the introduction of practical widgets, which display relevant data from different applications, and shortcuts to frequently used contacts. The main innovation, according to Google, is Immersive Navigation, introduced in March 2026. This functionality provides a much more detailed view of the route, with graphic representations in three dimensions, terrain reliefs and buildings in greater detail.
Playing high definition videos on Android Auto
The Android Auto platform now supports streaming videos in Full HD at a rate of 60 frames per second. Initially, this functionality will be available for the YouTube application, present in vehicles from manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda, Tata and Volvo.
During goal maneuvers, sudden interruption of videos will be eliminated. Instead, the system will automatically transition to audio-only playback mode in applications that offer this compatibility, a very advantageous feature for those who follow video podcasts.
Music applications such as YouTube Music and Spotify will also gain new interfaces, which, according to Google, aim to facilitate interaction and handling of services while the user is driving.
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Gemini integration expands to Android Auto
The Gemini assistant now has wide availability within Android Auto, with the aim of optimizing navigation and general use of the platform. The feature will also enable, later this year, interaction with cell phones that are compatible with the Gemini Intelligence system.
Learn more: Google Phone update brings short bottom bar with Material 3 Expressive in recent version
Enhancements for vehicles with integrated Google system
Cars that already come equipped with Google’s native system also benefited from improvements in content display and the same automatic switch to audio-only mode during parking. The company reported that applications such as Gemini and Google Maps work with superior performance on these models, thanks to the partnership with manufacturers that enables hardware-directed optimizations.
For eligible vehicles powered by Google, Google Maps Immersive Navigation now supports the “Lane Guidance” feature. This functionality uses the car’s front camera to detect which lane it is in and issue real-time alerts about the need to change lanes.
