Widgets are coming to Android Auto soon. Preparations are finalizing

Already at the end of last October, we informed you about the first indications that Android Auto is preparing to offer widgets similar to those we know from the phone’s home screen. At that time, the feature was still visibly in an early stage of development, but now everything indicates that we won’t have to wait long. New discoveries by Android Authority suggest that the release is imminent.

Preparations are nearing completion

When Android Authority first discovered the feature last year, Google internally referred to it only by the codename “Earth”. The widget selection interface itself also gave the impression of a provisional solution that should never make it into an official version. That is now changing. In version Android Auto 16.8.161804-release.daily, the menu received the official name Car widgets, including a brief description of what the feature will bring to the user.

The widget selection environment itself has also undergone a complete transformation. Upon tapping, a menu practically identical to that of the phone’s home screen is now displayed, including a section with recommended options, a complete list of available items, and a search field at the top. Furthermore, after selecting a specific widget, a preview of how it will look on the dashboard appears. Among the first applications to appear in the screenshots were Calendar, Chrome, Google Drive, or ChatGPT.

Premiere possibly at Google I/O

Google has not yet officially spoken about widgets in Android Auto, and according to Android Authority, it is not clear exactly when it intends to launch the new feature. However, one very probable date presents itself – the Google I/O developer conference, which will take place in a matter of weeks. It would be an ideal moment to introduce such a novelty to a wide audience.

Widgets are coming to Android Auto soon. Preparations are finalizing Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

It is, of course, necessary to emphasize that even an advanced version of the interface does not guarantee that the feature will actually reach all users in the foreseeable future. Google can postpone its release at any time, or first deploy widgets only to a limited range of devices. In addition to widgets, Android Authority noted in the update a slight change in icons on the weather card, which, however, do not copy the style from the Pixel Weather app.

Which widgets would you like to add to your car’s dashboard?

Sources: Android Authority, 9to5Google