In an effort to promote safer driving, of Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGLE Android Auto has launched an update that limits access to certain apps while the vehicle is in motion.
What happened: As reported by Tom’s Guide, the recently updated Android Auto version 11.4 will now warn users about apps that can only be used when the car is parked. A small “P” icon will appear in the bottom right corner of such apps on the home page, and gaming and video streaming apps reportedly show this icon more often.
This update comes in response to users who previously reported issues with Android Auto limiting access to specific apps unless they were parked or incorrectly identifying the vehicle as moving. This new feature is expected to clarify app restrictions for users while driving, thus preventing unnecessary attempts to access restricted apps.
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In addition to limiting app usage, Android Auto v11.4 can now also shorten long text messages that may be audibly received while driving. According to 9to5Google, the goal is to reduce the risk of distraction by automatically summarizing long texts or busy group chats. Users can choose to disable this text summarization feature in the settings on their car display or phone.
Because matter: This new feature builds on Google’s previous initiative to use artificial intelligence to summarize incoming messages for Android Auto users to reduce the inconvenience of reading multiple messages aloud, especially in group chats.
Furthermore, this addition is part of a larger effort by Alphabet Inc. GOOG to improve the user experience on Android devices, as announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. The company is focusing on promoting seamless connectivity within the Android and Chromebook ecosystems and the interoperability of Android devices with TVs and electric vehicles.
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