Android Auto, also called Google’s equal to Apple CarPlay, will now notify customers about apps that may solely be used when their automobile is stationary.
in line with SmartDroid, within the newly up to date software program model 11.4, apps with such restrictions will show a small “P” icon within the backside proper nook of the app on the house web page. Previous to this, customers making an attempt to entry stationary-only apps would obtain an error message if their automobile was shifting.
Parked icons reportedly seem extra ceaselessly in gaming or video streaming apps on Android Auto. Notably, each apps can be found for EV house owners and can be utilized whereas charging, particularly GameSnacks, a set of touchscreen video games for AA customers.
Whereas the introduction can be useful for Android Auto customers in determining the restrictions of their apps whereas driving, we speculate that this small tweak has been within the works for a while. In accordance Reddit Posts and other forumsAndroid Auto had beforehand featured points like limiting entry to navigation apps except they have been parked or pondering the automobile was shifting when it wasn’t, leaving customers to invest whether or not their automobile had one thing to do with the issue (alert spoiler: he did not). ).
We are able to solely speculate that this new characteristic will assist Android Auto customers keep away from making an attempt to entry apps whereas driving, however we’ll preserve you posted because the replace rolls out.
Android Auto summarizes messages utilizing AI

Along with the discharge of model 11.4, Android Auto can now summarize lengthy textual content messages that may be heard whereas driving. The one caveat is that messages containing greater than 40 phrases can be paraphrased, whereas all the things under can be learn in full.
In accordance 9to5GoogleThe corporate hopes to restrict the prospect of distractions whereas driving, as Android Auto “robotically summarizes lengthy textual content messages or busy group chats whereas driving” and “suggests related responses and actions you possibly can take with out touching your telephone.”
One other caveat (and a caveat) is that the content material of the abstract might differ barely from the precise textual content you acquired. The message will nonetheless seem in your telephone, so it could be greatest to learn the unique earlier than choosing an AI response.
For those who want that Android Auto AI not summarize or learn your messages aloud, you possibly can flip it off in your automobile’s show or telephone settings.