Google could be fixing Android Auto's worst gaming feature

Android Auto is Getting a Much-Needed UI Overhaul

Google's Android Auto has been undergoing continuous improvements. A recent update, Android Auto 14.1 beta, introduced support for Android games. However, this functionality was limited; games were only playable while the car was parked. Now, Google is poised to significantly enhance the gaming experience within Android Auto, improving how games are displayed on your car's screen.

Improved Game Display in Android Auto

Previously, launching a game in Android Auto resulted in the game taking over the entire screen. Navigating game menus, returning to the main menu, or exiting the game was cumbersome, requiring users to swipe down from the top of the screen to access these options. This was far from ideal for a safe and intuitive driving experience.

Fortunately, this frustrating design flaw appears to be addressed in a newer version of Android Auto (version 14.4.152004-release.daily), as discovered by Android Authority. The new update reimagines how games are displayed, significantly improving usability. Screenshots reveal that games no longer occupy the entire screen.

While games still dominate the screen's real estate, dedicated space is now allocated for crucial navigation buttons. Specifically, a back button and an app drawer button are conveniently positioned on the right side of the screen. The back button functions as expected, allowing users to navigate back to the main menu or exit the game, simplifying the process even within nested game menus.

The app drawer button, as its name suggests, opens the Android Auto app drawer. Importantly, opening the app drawer while a game is running keeps the game active in the background. This multi-tasking capability combined with the easily accessible back button makes navigating the Android Auto interface while gaming significantly smoother and more intuitive.

Media Player UI Changes

Beyond the gaming improvements, Android Auto is also refining its media player user interface. Reports suggest a relocation of playback controls. While the exact specifics remain unclear, screenshots indicate a potential redesign of this crucial aspect of the in-car experience.

The timing and widespread availability of these changes are yet to be announced by Google. However, the potential improvements to both the game and media player interfaces hint at a significant usability enhancement for Android Auto users.

The improvements to Android Auto's game and media player UIs are significant steps towards a more user-friendly and safer in-car experience. These updates promise to make navigating both games and media playback significantly easier and more intuitive, enhancing the overall Android Auto experience.

This post Google could be fixing Android Auto's worst gaming feature appeared first on Android Headlines.

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