Google is launching some app updates for Android Automotive, “Google built-in,” which bring more video apps and increased flexbility for the platform such as allowing YouTube to run in the background while driving.
Rolling out “over the coming weeks,” vehicles running on Android Automotive can expect a new Play Store experience. The updated design better adapts to different car display sizes and orientations while also improving categories and discoverability for apps. Google says that there are “more than 700 apps” for Android Automotive right now.
Meanwhile, more apps are coming to Android Automotive including “STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar.”
Another video perk that appears to be rolling out on Android Automotive is background play for YouTube (assuming you have a Premium subscription). This feature will allow users to watch a video while parked and continue listening to the audio when they resume driving.
Google first announced this functionality was coming in 2025, but this is the first time it was announced for YouTube directly. Android Auto, the phone-projected platform, is also getting video apps in the future, and we’re certainly hoping this same functionality becomes available. In the past few months, YouTube added support for background play controls on Android Auto via new media updates to the platform.
More on Android in Cars:
- Android Auto rolls out game support, no longer in beta
- Google on what ‘Android Halo’ does, talking less about AI, and how Gemini will use car cameras [Video]
- Android Auto rolling out fix that stops auto-playing music when you start your car
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