Google’s latest update to Android Auto brings a vibrant twist to its interface, aligning it more closely with the dynamic Material You design seen across other Google ecosystems. As Android Auto 13.4 rolls out to all users, it introduces a visually refreshing change that enhances the overall user experience by syncing the color accents from users’ smartphones directly into their vehicle’s dashboard.
A More Unified Experience
With Android Auto 13.4, Google has expanded the implementation of Material You, previously confined to smartphones, into the automotive environment. This update isn’t just an aesthetic overhaul; it represents a deeper integration between the user’s personal device and their car’s infotainment system. The use of Material You accents means that the UI colours on Android Auto can now reflect the hues selected on the user’s phone, providing a more cohesive and personalized interface.
For instance, while testing this update on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it was evident that Google has meticulously applied these new accent colours across various system elements including buttons, toggles, and backgrounds within cards and menus. Notably, these changes had previously been limited to music apps within Android Auto, which adapted their UI to match album art colours. Now, this colour adaptation extends across the entire system, although it does not yet apply to third-party apps on Android Auto.
One of the most noticeable areas where these changes manifest is within the settings menu, notifications, and the notification centre. To experience this new colorful interface, users need to enable the setting that matches their phone’s wallpaper colors. This feature is part of Google’s broader push to create a seamless experience across devices, where your personal preferences follow you from your pocket to your car.
Despite the excitement around these updates, it appears that the integration of Material You colours into Android Auto is still a work in progress. The colours can sometimes be inconsistent and may require users to force stop the Android Auto app and reconnect their device, or sometimes the colours do not update at all. These quirks indicate that Google may continue to refine this feature in future updates.
Looking Forward
As Google moves towards a more integrated and visually appealing interface across its products, Android Auto users can look forward to an ever-evolving system that not only increases functionality but also enhances the aesthetic enjoyment of their vehicle’s technology. Though there are some inconsistencies in the current rollout, the direction is clear—Google is committed to making Android Auto not just a tool, but an extension of the user’s personal style.
This update to Android Auto 13.4 may seem small in the realm of functional updates, but its impact on user experience and interface customization speaks volumes about the future of vehicle technology. As we await further enhancements and refinements, the colourful flares of Material You are a welcome glimpse into a more personalized automotive experience.
