Android Auto & Google Built-In Updated with Video Streaming & Conference Call Apps

Google has updated its Android Auto and Google Built-In car infotainment systems today. This update allows you to make conference calls and stream video contents on your vehicle’s infotainment display, via a slew of new apps.

Google Built-In now comes with Amazon Prime Video streaming service!

Starting off with the Google Built-In integrated software, several new apps like the Amazon Prime Video streaming service and Vivaldi browser app are now available for download via the Google Play store, with both apps only usable when the car is parked. This update will be made available in selected Renault, Volvo and Polestar models with Google Built-In infotainment software, with the functionality coming to other car brands in near future.

Aside from the two, the third new app added to the Google Built-In software is The Weather Channel. Operable even when the car is moving, this app grants users with the latest weather update with hourly forecasts, alerts, as well as a ‘Trip View’ radar.

Andorid Auto now comes with conference call support via WebEx and Zoom apps!

Moving on to the Android Auto, this mobile connectivity support gets a new feature, where users can join scheduled meetings and conference calls from the car’s infotainment display via the new WebEx by Cisco and Zoom apps. With only the audio support available, this allows users to be in Zoom calls even when they are driving, without the need to access their phones – making the process much safer for the driver and everyone else on the road.

Apart from the updates on both infotainment systems, Google is also expanding its support for digital car keys, which was exclusively available in Europe. With this expansion, selected Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models in the US, Canada, as well as South Korea will come with Google’s digital car key support, allowing owners to access several remote functions of their vehicles via selected Google Pixel and Samsung devices.

These updates have already taken place in several countries, including the US, Canada, several European countries, and many more. As for its availability in Malaysia, Google has yet to unveil any details pertaining to its plan to introduce this updated software into our market.

Aside from Google, Apple has also introduced the next-gen Apple CarPlay software last year, which allows users with more customisation options and functionalities, including on the car’s digital instrument cluster and control settings. This updated CarPlay version is set to arrive in late 2023 on selected Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, as well as Volvo models, with support to other car brands to come later in 2024.