Android Auto 16.0 finally changes the media player. Google has redesigned it from the ground up

The media player in Android Auto has remained virtually unchanged visually for years, frustrating many users. Google is now finally responding and, as part of version 16.0.660224, is bringing a complete redesign that we’ve been waiting for since last May. The update is currently rolling out to stable users after beta testers tried it earlier this month.

What’s new?

The server 9to5Google, which reported on the update, writes and demonstrates in screenshots that the new player interface moves the play/pause button to the bottom left corner of the display. Next to it are controls for skipping tracks and other playback options.

The redesign is evident in apps like Spotify and Pocket Casts, with Spotify additionally displaying an updated Material You theme that adapts to the colors of the currently playing album art. The changed layout also appears in the condensed dashboard view.

Don’t expect any further changes

Apart from the media player, Android Auto 16.0 brings no other visible new features. No signs of upcoming features were found even in the application’s code analysis. Users will therefore have to wait a while longer for further improvements – among other things, they are still waiting for the wider rollout of the Gemini assistant, whose integration has been ongoing for several months.

How do you like the new media player design in Android Auto?

Source: 9to5Google