Until now, in-car video apps could only be watched while the vehicle was stationary. But Google is about to offer an audio-only option, designed for the road. This new feature comes at the same time as the company plans to integrate video apps into Android Auto.
An audio version for in-car video apps
On Android Automotive, some cars can already play videos... provided they are stationary. As soon as the vehicle restarts, playback is cut off. A logical rule to avoid any distraction while driving, but frustrating in certain cases, particularly for filmed podcasts or sports matches, where the audio remains relevant, even without the image.
This is why Google is preparing to offer an automatic transition between video playback (when stationary) and audio only (when moving). Presented during a developer video at the latest Google I/O, this new feature allows you to continue listening to a video as soon as the car resumes driving, without having to manually restart the content.
For now, this feature remains in early access and is limited to vehicles running Android Automotive with Android 14 or higher. It also requires manual integration by application developers.
A timely new feature
The timing is no coincidence, Google also confirmed this week the upcoming arrival of video applications on Android Auto. Until now, this system focused on navigation, music and messaging, leaving videos aside.
It is still unclear whether the audio mode for video content will be directly integrated into Android Auto or reserved for vehicles compatible with Android Automotive. But the connection seems obvious, and it's a safe bet that the company will seek to harmonize the experience across its two in-car platforms.
Source: 9to5Google
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