Manufacturers are getting more inventive with how they put touchscreen displays in their latest cars, and the technology is advancing. Google has taken note, announcing a new version of Android Auto that focuses on the changing nature of touch displays.


The upgrade comes in the shape of a new split-screen display that is standard for all Android Auto users and allows them to access critical services including as navigation, media player, and communications from a single screen.


Previously, split-screen capability was limited to a few vehicle models; however, it will now be available to all Android Auto users.


"Previously, we had a distinct screen mode that was only available in a small number of automobiles. "This is now available regardless of what sort of display you have, what size, or what form factor you have, and it's a very, really exciting development," said Rod Lopez, Android Auto's lead product manager.


Android Auto will be able to adapt to any sort of touchscreen, including portrait and long vertical touchscreens.


"We've seen some really exciting industry innovation, ranging from these very huge portrait screens to these really broad landscape displays," says the author. And the best part is that Android Auto will now support and adapt to all of them, putting all of these capabilities at your fingertips as a user." Rod Lopez added to the conversation.



Lopez admits that displays will continue to grow in size, particularly in premium automobiles. The Mercedes-Benz EQS, for example, comes with a 56-inch wide Hyperscreen, while the Cadillac Lyriq comes with a 33-inch LED infotainment display.


According to Rod Lopez, this tendency has compelled Google to collaborate with manufacturers in order to better adapt Android Auto to this trend. "Part of the new motivation behind this redesign was to be able to better adapt our product to these vehicles that are coming out with these massive portrait displays and massive widescreen displays, and so our approach has been working really closely with these OEMs to make sure that things make sense and work," Rod Lopez explained.


On the other hand, as the screens become larger, the chances of drivers becoming distracted increase. Lopez claims that safety is their first priority, and that the work they do with OEMs guarantees that the experience is incorporated into the car's architecture to limit distractions.


Along with the split-screen update, Google is bringing a slew of additional Android Auto enhancements, including the ability to respond to text messages with pre-written responses that users can send with a single tap.


Additionally, Android Auto will now support Tubi TV and Epix Now Streaming services, allowing users to view movies while driving or on the road. Additionally, if you have an Android device, you will be able to cast your own material onto the car's screen.