Playing Angry Birds or Candy Crush on your car screen is no longer a geek's fantasy stuck in traffic. It's a real novelty that Google is currently testing in Android Auto. Version 14.1, currently only available in beta, allows you to launch certain Android games directly from the vehicle's touchscreen.
Games on the car screen, but not while driving
Four titles are currently compatible: Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Farm Heroes Saga and Beach Buggy Racing. These aren't "homemade" games that have been stripped down or reworked for the road, but rather Android versions that you first install on your phone. Once it's connected to the car, the games appear in the Android Auto menu.
But there's no point in hoping to start a game while the car is moving: the games only work when the vehicle is completely stopped, in parking mode. As soon as you touch the gear lever, everything closes automatically. "The game closes immediately and turns gray in the menu», confirms 9to5Google, who was able to test the feature with a Pixel 9 Pro Fold connected to a Subaru Forester.
Another new feature brought by this update: the arrival of full-screen apps. Until now, Android Auto displayed all its applications in a sort of limited frame. But with these games, the interface finally switches to full-screen mode. This is a first. An “Exit” button is displayed by sliding from the top of the screen, to return to the classic interface.
This change brings Android Auto closer to its more advanced cousin: Android Automotive, the system embedded directly in certain car models. The latter already offers games, video apps, and plenty of options not yet found in Android Auto. With this new feature, Google seems to want to bridge the gap between the two platforms.
For now, it is unknown if other apps will be entitled to this full-screen view, nor if more games will be added. Google has also not given a timetable for the general release of version 14.1. Only those enrolled in the beta program can test it, and this program is often full.
So yes, it's still a bit limited. And you have to be stationary. But being able to start a game of Beach Buggy Racing during a roadside break or while waiting for the battery to recharge is a nice little extra to keep drivers and their passengers busy.
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