One of the biggest complaints leveled at Android Automotive has been a distinct lack of apps for the in-car OS. That is set to change this week as a whole host of new options are set to arrive including games, streaming services, and more.
This expanded app support is part of the “car-ready mobile apps program” and will see a number of popular apps make the jump from mobile screens to Android Automotive-powered dashboards in supported vehicles. Google detailed that all of the new applications are designed to be used while your vehicle is stationary and allow drivers and passengers to “stay entertained” while doing things like charging or waiting in parking lots.
At least until recently, the selection of applications on Android Automotive was very slim, with little incentive for app developers to port their services over. The enhanced program is now bringing services like Plex, F1 TV, Red Bull TV, and NBC News to dashboards in supported vehicles from Volvo and Polestar. There was no mention of other carmakers at this stage.
A wide variety of games, including Roblox, Farm Heroes Saga, and a multitude of family-friendly titles from game developer Pazu Games, are also now playable on in-car touchscreens. Many other free-to-play titles are making the jump but while this is great news to see more support for the small pool of vehicles utilizing Google’s in-car OS, there are still many services are missing when compared to the more commonly used Android Auto platform.
If you have a supported Android Automotive vehicle and want to grab these apps, you can launch the Google Play Store in your car or visit the dedicated storefront landing page and remotely initiate installation here.
More on Android Automotive:
- Google Maps ETA removed from instrument cluster in some Android Automotive vehicles
- Google Cast and YouTube app rolling out to Rivian EVs with latest update
- Android Automotive could get more apps thanks to this easy-to-use kit [Gallery]
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