Google revs up Android Automotive with expanded support for messaging and VoIP apps
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Android Automotive | Image credit — Google
Imagine being able to send and receive important messages without having to take your eyes off the road. The built-in voice assistant will read incoming messages aloud, allowing you to stay focused on driving while still staying in the loop. You can also send voice replies, keeping your hands on the wheel and your attention where it belongs. When your car is parked, you'll have full access to the keyboard for more comprehensive messaging tasks.
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Google's announced plans to expand support within Android Auto versus Android Automotive | Image credit — Mishaal Rahman (Android Authority)
One can only speculate that this addition will be met with enthusiasm by users, who have long been requesting the integration of popular apps like WhatsApp and Zoom into Android Automotive. Additionally, Google's announcement of the "Communications" category at I/O this year signals that the wait might soon be over.
It's worth noting that messaging apps are already available on Android Auto, but with limited functionality. They primarily focus on reading messages aloud or sending voice replies. The addition of these apps to Android Automotive could potentially bring a wider range of features, making communication even more seamless and efficient.
While Google hasn't released detailed documentation on how VoIP apps will function on Android Automotive, it's likely that their interfaces will be streamlined for safety and ease of use. This is in line with the general approach of rendering most apps on Android Automotive using templates, ensuring a consistent look and feel across different apps. It remains to be seen how developers will address the challenge of rendering their messaging and VoIP apps on different vehicles, given the open-source nature of Android Automotive.
It's worth noting that messaging apps are already available on Android Auto, but with limited functionality. They primarily focus on reading messages aloud or sending voice replies. The addition of these apps to Android Automotive could potentially bring a wider range of features, making communication even more seamless and efficient.
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