Google Brings New Update for Android Auto & Built-In at CES 2024

Google brings a new update for the Android Auto & Google Built-In software at this year's CES exhibition

Google has taken the CES 2024 main stage to announce new updates for its on-board vehicle software, Android Auto and Google Built-In. This new update brings in tons of new features and app integration for both systems, promising a better user experience for consumers in the future.

This updates brings new EV integration to Android Auto, allowing EV owners to view their car's battery percentage on Google Maps

Starting with Android Auto, this new update adds some level of EV-related integration to the system. For example, EV users are now able to see the exact battery percentage of their EVs on display in Google Maps. More importantly, said navigation app will also be able to provide the estimated battery level upon arrival at its user’s destination, while suggesting charging stops along the way with the charging time estimation.

This new integration is set to debut in selected EV models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning in the coming months before being offered to other EVs. Google, however, has yet to reveal a detailed list of upcoming EVs to get this new Android Auto update.

The newly-updated Google Built-In now offers support to tons of new apps, including Google Chrome browser (left) and streaming services like Amazon Prime Video (right)

Moving on to Google Built-In, vehicles equipped with this dedicated on-board infotainment software are poised to get tons of new apps, including Google Chrome. Besides the internet browser, streaming services such as Crunchyroll, PBS Kids, and Amazon Prime Video, plus other auxiliary apps like The Weather Channel, will also be made available in the updated software.

New apps aside, this new update also allows for better and more streamlined integration between your Android devices and the Google Built-In infotainment software in your car. You can now plan a road trip directly from your mobile phones, which will later be displayed on your vehicle, thus preventing unnecessary and troublesome methods of planning your whole trip using your car’s on-board display.

For this update, Google is currently running a beta test on selected Volvo and Polestar models that run on Google Built-In software. Once the beta testing ends, we can expect to see this updated software make its way onto other car brands like Ford, Nissan, as well as Porsche models later this year.

Besides the two major software updates, Google is also demonstrating its novel digital car key for Android devices. Though already featured in selected vehicles, the tech giant is planning to expand this service to support more vehicles and Android devices in the future.