A few days ago, Google released its stable version of Android Auto 14, which includes several new features, such as temperature controls and windshield defrost. The company has now released its next incremental version, Android Auto 14.1, as a part of the beta program. The most notable addition to the latest beta version is the support for select Android games. Yes, you heard that right. Android Auto users can play Android games on their car display.
Android Auto 14.1 beta enables support for games
Folks over at 9to5Google have managed to install the beta build of Android Auto 14.1, confirming that with this update, Google has officially started rolling out support for games. It is worth mentioning that games have been available for years on Android Auto as the GameSnacks collection lets Android Auto adopter users play simple games on their carโs displays without needing to install the game on the smartphone. Now, with Android Auto 14.1 beta, Google offers full Android games โ you need to install the game on your smartphone before playing on Android Auto.
With the latest Android Auto beta update, installed Android games show up on the carโs display. Games like Angry Birds 2 and Beach Buggy Racing were playable, but only while the car was parked. Once the car is in motion, the games close automatically and are grayed out within the app drawer and app switcher. The report also adds that Android Auto now opens apps entirely full screen.
The supported games on Android Auto currently include Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. Google could expand the list in the future by adding more popular games.
However, for now, it is unclear how the company will release this game-support functionality to users. Although the stable release could happen in the next few weeks, there is a possibility that Google might keep it limited to beta versions for a while. It might want to test the feature thoroughly before a public release. While you wait for it, you can try the new feature by signing up for the beta program via the Play Store.
