Latest news with #AndroidAutomotive
The Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Herald
Everything you need to know about the new Audi Q3
There's more evolution to be found inside the cabin, where an updated dashboard design supports Audi's curved panoramic display incorporating a 11.9" instrument cluster and 12.8" MMI touchscreen infotainment system. The latter runs a newly developed Android Automotive operating system that offers third-party apps such as YouTube and Spotify to be downloaded from the Audi Application Store. You can also look forward to Audi's latest AI-enriched voice assistant, optional head-up display, two flavours of customisable mood lighting (ambient light package plus or pro) and the option of a Sonos sound system. Elsewhere, Audi has relocated the gear lever up to the steering column to free space on the centre console between the front seats. In its place you will find two large cup holders and a cooled inductive charging tray with 15 watts of charging power. The feature is complemented by two USB-C ports up front and an additional pair in the rear. A total of nine interior packages are available, with many making use of sustainable materials such as fast-growing wood, 100% recycled polyester and something called Econyl, a nylon fibre made from old fishing nets, carpet remnants and industrial waste.
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Android Authority
Android Automotive now lets apps show your food order status and more on your car's home screen
Polestar TL;DR Android Automotive OS is getting a new feature called AppCard, which allows apps to display their most relevant data and functions on the home screen. AppCards can display information like the status of a food order, but the visual styling of these cards is controlled by carmakers, not app developers. It's unclear whether the feature will require the latest version of Android Automotive, though. When you're driving, your focus should be on the road, but sometimes you need to glance at your car's infotainment screen for an alert. Google's operating system for car infotainment screens, Android Automotive OS, already provides numerous ways to quickly catch up on alerts and will soon add another in the form of app cards on the home screen. In the new version of Android Automotive, the home screen features a large, dedicated card for Google Maps and a smaller media player card between the status and navigation bars. Past releases also included a dedicated card for showing the weather at the current location. Until now, these home screen cards were provided by the OS, with no way for app developers to add their own. This approach keeps the home screen clean and consistent, allowing drivers to quickly view key information without futzing with the UI. The downside, however, is that drivers have to open individual apps to get updates on information not available on the home screen, like the status of a takeout food order. Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Home screen in Android Automotive 15 To solve this, Google is introducing a new feature called AppCard. An AppCard 'displays an app's most relevant data and functionality to users in a way that is accessible and always available.' It's a 'grouping of UI elements' whose styling is controlled by car makers, so apps only provide the information, not the design. Apps can provide elements like an image with text, a tappable button, or a progress bar, but developers should be aware that space constraints will limit how much can be shown on the card. An AppCard with text and an image An AppCard with a progress slider and a single button An AppCard with a progress slider and two buttons Beyond that, there don't appear to be any restrictions on what apps can put in AppCards. Google envisions developers using the feature to do things like 'display the status of a takeout food order,' 'show photos to passengers,' or 'track and periodically update the price of crypto coins,' but there's seemingly no explicit rule against showing other information. Google could later enforce restrictions on this feature via Play Store policies, but whether that will happen remains to be seen. It's unclear if AppCards will be exclusive to the new version of Android Automotive based on Android 16. However, there's evidence suggesting they won't be, as Google lists the feature under its 'unbundled apps' documentation. Unbundled apps are decoupled from the main Android Automotive OS and can be updated independently, much like the automotive app host, car UI library, and dashcam app. While car makers will still likely need to push out an update to support the feature, that update may not need to be based on Android 16. It will be interesting to see how developers adopt this feature, especially as Google makes more apps available on cars running Android Automotive. This is precisely the kind of functionality that could help an app achieve a 'car differentiated' status — a higher tier of optimization beyond simply being 'car ready.' Given the extra time and care required, few apps fall into that higher category right now. However, providing a straightforward way to show custom information on the home screen might be the incentive needed to encourage more developers to take the plunge and fully optimize their apps for the car. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Everything you need to know about the new Audi Q3
Audi has unveiled its latest Q3 SUV. One of the marque's best-selling vehicles (more than two million have found homes since it entered production in 2011), the new third-generation model adopts a more assertive exterior design that's sure to attract a new legion of fans. Up at the business end, standout features include an extra wide Singleframe radiator grille flanked by sleekly tapered headlamps that can, for the first time in Q3 history, be specced with Audi's advanced digital Matrix LED lighting technology. There's also a more defined shoulder line, steeply sloping D-pillars and blistered front/rear wheel arches Audi said are a throwback to the original quattro that kicked up such a fuss in the 1980s. Depending on the model, customers can pick from a range of new wheel designs ranging from 17" to 20'. At the rear, Ingolstadt's design team has fitted the new Q3 with two-part taillamps and a continuous LED light strip that spans the entire width of the vehicle. You will also spy a full set of illuminated Audi rings and a large diffuser integrated into the raised bumper. There's more evolution to be found inside the cabin, where an updated dashboard design supports Audi's curved panoramic display incorporating a 11.9" instrument cluster and 12.8" MMI touchscreen infotainment system. The latter runs a newly developed Android Automotive operating system that offers third-party apps such as YouTube and Spotify to be downloaded from the Audi Application Store. You can also look forward to Audi's latest AI-enriched voice assistant, optional head-up display, two flavours of customisable mood lighting (ambient light package plus or pro) and the option of a Sonos sound system. Elsewhere, Audi has relocated the gear lever up to the steering column to free space on the centre console between the front seats. In its place you will find two large cup holders and a cooled inductive charging tray with 15 watts of charging power. The feature is complemented by two USB-C ports up front and an additional pair in the rear. A total of nine interior packages are available, with many making use of sustainable materials such as fast-growing wood, 100% recycled polyester and something called Econyl, a nylon fibre made from old fishing nets, carpet remnants and industrial waste. On the practical side of things, the new Q3 packs a 488l boot expandable to 575l with the rear seat bench slid all the way forward and placed in an upright position. Fold it flat and you'll avail 1,386 l, more than enough for carrying bulkier items such as boxes or a bicycle. From launch Audi is offering the new Q3 with a choice of four powertrains, starting with a 110kW 1.5l four-cylinder 48V mild-hybrid petrol engine. It's paired to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and features cylinder on demand technology that temporarily shuts down the second and third cylinders at low and medium loads to save fuel. Next in line is a spicy 2.0l four-cylinder petrol engine churning out 195kW and 400Nm of torque. This is sent to all four paws via a quattro all-wheel drive system and seven-speed S tronic gearbox. There's also a 110kW/360Nm 2.0l four-cylinder turbodiesel and an e-hybrid offering up to 119km of electric driving range thanks to a newly developed 25.7kWh battery pack. It also sports a combined output of 200kW and 400Nm of torque. 50kW DC fast charging enables the battery to be recharged from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. Other innovations bundled into the new Q3 include an updated chassis with the option of a newly fettled steel sprung sports suspension. Suspension with two-valve damper control is also available and is said to offer an 'optimally balanced driving experience' by continuously adjusting to the demands of the road surface and driving situation. The list of driver assistance systems spliced into the new third-generation Q3 is plentiful, with parking system plus with distance display, cruise control (including speed limiter), lane departure warning with emergency assist, traffic sign recognition, attention and fatigue warning with driver monitoring and active front assist with evasion and turning assist, front cross traffic assist and front emergency brake assist all fitted as standard. The new Audi Q3 will go on sale in Europe in October. Local availability is to be confirmed.
Edmunds
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
The 2026 Audi Q3 Has Bold Styling and Fresh Tech
Up front, the 2026 Q3 features matrix LED headlights that can display four different light signatures or project warnings like an ice crystal on the road to warn other drivers of possible icy conditions. It's not confirmed that the matrix LED headlights or their full functionality will make it to our shores; past Audis have not offered this tech in the U.S. Wheel sizes will range from 17 to 20 inches, though the U.S. version is unlikely to get the base 17-inchers. Inside, the Q3's new design is marked by bigger screens, revised controls and new technology. The previous 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen give way to a curved panoramic display that includes an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen. The touchscreen runs Audi's MMI infotainment system powered by the Android Automotive operating system. Third-party apps including YouTube will be available through the Audi app store, meaning they won't require a smartphone connection to use. A head-up display will also be offered, as will a 12-speaker, 420-watt Sonos audio system. For the new Q3, the gear shifter moves from the center console to a stalk on the right side of the steering wheel. Another stalk on the left handles the lighting and wipers. Without a shifter, the center console opens up more space and features two cupholders, a wireless charging pad and two USB-C ports.
Android Authority
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Android Authority
Android Automotive update will make it easier to talk to Gemini in your car
TL;DR The Android Automotive 16 update introduces several subtle UI changes to the home screen, launcher, and notification panel. Key adjustments include a redesigned volume panel, a taller media card, a new voice assistant button, and a more legible app grid. The update also adds a toggle for Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a key component of Android's digital car key feature. Just like with Android on phones and tablets, Google pushes out yearly updates to its OS for cars, Android Automotive OS (AAOS). Unlike on mobile devices, these updates are typically smaller in scope; for safety, the in-car platform is intentionally more limited. While the upcoming Android Automotive 16 update won't be as feature-packed as Android 16 for phones, it still introduces several subtle UI changes to the home screen, launcher, and notification panel, as well as makes it easier to launch the digital assistant. Before we dive in, it's important to clarify a few things. First, Android Automotive OS isn't the same as Android Auto. Android Auto is an interface projected to your car's infotainment screen from your phone, while AAOS is the native operating system that runs directly on the car's hardware. Second, because AAOS is open-source, automakers can customize it heavily. The changes we're highlighting are from the baseline version of the OS, meaning the final UI in your vehicle may look different. Even cars marketed with 'Google built-in' aren't guaranteed to adopt these specific changes, as that branding primarily refers to the inclusion of Google's apps. With that out of the way, here's everything new we spotted in the Android Automotive 16 release. What's new in Android Automotive 16 On the home screen, the Weather card has been removed, allowing the Media card to become much taller. Additionally, the system bars at the top and bottom now match the UI's background color instead of being permanently black. The quick access volume button moves from the bottom right corner to the top left, positioning it next to the brightness control. In its place, you'll find a new dedicated voice assistant button. This change makes launching the digital assistant more accessible and could be laying the groundwork for Gemini's arrival in cars with Google Built-in. Home screen in Android Automotive 15 Home screen in Android Automotive 16 Speaking of volume, the pop-up volume panel has been redesigned. It's now fully expanded by default and no longer stretches across the entire display, instead appearing as a more compact overlay with a dimmed background. Each audio stream (like media or navigation) gets a clear text label above its corresponding slider. A new button at the top of the panel launches the media output switcher, while a shortcut to the main sound settings now sits at the bottom. Lastly, there's a new dedicated slider for navigation volume, and 'ringer volume' has been renamed to the more descriptive 'in-call volume.' Sound settings in Android Automotive 15 Sound settings in Android Automotive 16 Volume panel in Android Automotive 15 Volume panel in Android Automotive 16 The notification panel now features a fully opaque background, a departure from the dimmed transparency in the previous version. This subtle tweak should make notifications easier to read on the road. Notification panel in Android Automotive 15 Notification panel in Android Automotive 16 In a similar move for legibility, the app drawer grid has been adjusted from 5×3 to 4×3. While this shows fewer icons per page, it gives app labels more space and prevents them from being cut off. Connected device settings in Android Automotive 15 Connected device settings in Android Automotive 16 Finally, we spotted a new toggle for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) in Settings > Connected devices. UWB is the radio technology that powers the existing Android digital car key feature. The radio allows your phone to securely act as your car key, letting you lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without ever taking the device out of your pocket or bag. App drawer grid in Android Automotive 15 App drawer grid in Android Automotive 16 None of these UI changes are splashy, especially when compared to the big Material 3 Expressive overhaul that Google recently announced for mobile devices. It makes sense why we aren't seeing big UI changes in Android Automotive, though. Your primary focus while driving should be on the road, not on your infotainment unit. AAOS was designed to minimize distractions, which is why it avoids fancy animations and bold colors. It was also designed to be heavily customized by car makers, however, so it's unlikely we'll see many vehicles ship with this interface as is. That's everything we spotted while testing the open-source version of Android Automotive 16. Our thanks go to Snapp Automotive, a firm that specializes in developing infotainment software for cars running AAOS, for sharing the emulator images. You can try these images for yourself by following Snapp Automotive's instructions on GitHub. I wish there was more to say about Android Automotive 16, but even Google's official release notes confirm how minor this year's update is. In contrast, last year's Android Automotive 15 release brought far more substantial changes. Android Automotive 25Q2 (Android 16) Release Notes AAOS Framework Audio and radio: Audio control HAL improvements : To configure car audio features, use APIs instead of XML file. High definition (HD) radio Emergency Alert System (EAS) : Pass EAS information to radio applications with an API. This applies to HD Radio (North America) and DAB EWS (European Union). AAudio built-in library : AAudio AAudio supports OEM-defined Audio Attributes tags to customize app behavior. For example, audio routing and volume management. Power management: Power state notifications to built-in processes : The availability of power state notifications to OEM built-in processes (beyond Android apps) is extended. Car framework: Dynamic configuration of vehicle properties : Support the dynamic configuration of minimum and maximum and of supported values in vehicle properties. Connectivity Networking: Minimal Telephony : A subset of the Android Telephony Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for automotive OEMs to allow OEMs to use Android telephony on data-only devices (including TCUs). This reduces fragmentation and provides support for telephony functionality. Connectivity Messaging Upsell API : Enhanced SubscriptionManager to provide APIs that can expose a user's mobile data subscription status. For example, active, inactive, trial, and expiration date. Projected app support : Added support to let automotive OEMs configure the complete set of parameters not available through the Android APIs. Added a disconnect reason to the SoftApCallback API so that OEMs can learn why clients disconnected from a Local Hotspot (LOHS). These features improve support for projected apps and reduce fragmentation. AAOS System UI & Experiences ScalableUI : This AAOS windowing framework provides OEMs with configurable components that let OEMs meet windowing requirements and facilitate custom experiences. VHAL properties Vehicle properties: Added new vehicle properties to communicate vehicle characteristics and state. Updated vehicle property constants from @SystemApi to public APIs to consolidate generated documentation at VehiclePropertyIDs. Any previously defined and documented permissions are still required to access vehicle property data. Third party-accessible vehicle properties : This features makes eight existing vehicle properties relevant to navigation, voice assistant, weather, and driving state available to third party app developers. To learn more, see Integrate with Google apps and services. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
