Google has released a new beta update for Android Auto, and thereโs some interesting stuff hidden within it. Android Auto bera version 14.0 has code strings hinting at Temperature Controls and New Alerts for Google Maps. Google may roll out these features publicly in the coming months.
Hidden code hints at new Android Auto features
Recently, folks over at 9to5Google decompiled the APK file of Android Auto 14.0 and found a couple of new features, including Temperature Controls and New Alerts for Google Maps. Temperature Controls offer front and rear defrost buttons, which could allow users to control their carโs defrost settings directly from Android Auto.
The hidden code also suggests that Google is working on an option to control alerts from Maps in Android Auto. It appears to be a new โAlertsโ section in the settings menu with a toggle for incident reports. After the rollout of incident reports on Android Auto and CarPlay, some users reported that these alerts were too intrusive. Google is now addressing usersโ complaints by giving drivers more control over incident reports through a toggle.
As mentioned, these are hidden features within the APK files and are not yet visible in the app. Google is still developing them. The company could push them to users with subsequent beta releases. It could take a while for the stable version of Android Auto to receive the new tools.
As for beta users, version 14.0 may also include bug fixes and performance improvements. So, if you have been experiencing bugs with the app, you should update to the latest version. Of course, itโs best to avoid the beta build and use the stable version for a more reliable experience. However, the beta build gives you early access to new features, so you have to make a choice.
