A glance out of the window will tell you that summer is well and truly behind us, and yet a major overhaul of Android Auto, pledged to arrive before the autumn, is still missing.
We’ve been writing about the new interface, which is codenamed ‘Coolkwalk’, since it was first revealed by Google back in May. At the time, the company said the update would roll out before the end of the summer, and while there have been several updates to Android Auto since then, Coolwalk is still missing.
The update can be installed, but only if you’re willing to root your Android phone and install a beta intended for use by developers. Doing so can also cause issues with apps on your phone, and prevent some from running entirely, so it’s not something we recommend.
Coolkwalk was expected to arrive with version 8.0 of Google’s smartphone-powered infotainment system, but now we’re up to version 8.5 and there’s still no sign of it. Available in beta form, version 8.5 doesn’t bring much in the way of upgrades, and in fact has no new features at all. Instead, it’s just another round of bug fixes and performance improvements, according to both Crash.net and Autoevolution.
We know that Google is still working on the big Coolwalk upgrade, with tweaks happening behind the scenes to make sure Android Auto and its apps work correctly when the new interface finally arrives. But, with mince pies already on supermarket shelves and Michale Bublé being defrosted as we speak, we’re left wondering if Coolwalk will even arrive before the end of 2022.
Once it finally lands – and it could be enabled by Google with the flick of a switch at any moment – Coolwalk will change how Android Auto looks. The interface will show multiple windows at once, so you can see a map with navigation instructions plus music controls and notifications about incoming messages all at once, instead of flicking between applications. The UI will also adjust based on the size and aspect ratio of the car’s dashboard display.
For now, we're still waiting to see if Google's answer to Apple's CarPlay, which is also due a major upgrade soon, will be worth the wait.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.
-
New Android Auto update lays the groundwork for major music push
There’s a big update coming to Android Auto that will change everything
By Chris Hall Published
-
New Android Auto free update starts rolling out – prepares your car for a big feature push
Long-awaited changes are coming to Android Auto
By Chris Hall Published
-
Android Auto finally gets Google Maps feature that's been on CarPlay for months
Parity is resumed
By Chris Hall Published
-
Android Auto update on the cards that'll add a long-awaited missing feature
A key update could be coming to Android Auto to boost the experience
By Chris Hall Published
-
Android Auto gets a free update Apple CarPlay users have enjoyed for years
This update could make daily use easier
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Maps on Android Auto set to get a boost – but for now, there's a catch
There are some really neat features on offer
By Sam Cross Published
-
All-new Apple CarPlay could help create the dashboard of your dreams
We now know a lot more about next-gen Apple CarPlay due in cars in 2024
By Chris Hall Published
-
Apple teams with Porsche and Aston Martin for next-gen CarPlay experience
Apple will CarPlay a starring role in upcoming infotainment offerings
By Leon Poultney Published