Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Google has started the rollout of what may seem a major update at first but which is just another build that doesn't appear to include any breaking changes.
Android Auto 13 is now live, obviously without a changelog, and as per Google's typical rollout engine, it is now available through the Google Play Store for the first set of users.
The first build in the Android Auto 13 branch is 13.0.6440, and despite the jump from version 12 to 13, you won't find a new interface or new features. Android Auto 13 is just a regular release, likely focused on bug fixes and performance under the hood, landing only a few days after the previous 12.9 stable update.
The Google Play Store rollout takes place in stages, and this means that users must wait up to several weeks for the update to land on their devices. Some are luckier than others and will get it faster, but fortunately, sideloading remains an option, and anyone can use it to download Android Auto 13 on their devices.
It all starts with you downloading the Android Auto 13 APK installer on your device. Once the download is complete, you must navigate to its location on your Android smartphone with a file manager. Tap the installer, and you'll initiate the update process. You don't need to remove the existing Android Auto installation from your device, as all files are replaced automatically.
Depending on your Android phone configuration, you might be prompted to allow the installation of apps from third-party sources. By default, some phones only allow apps from the Google Play Store, so follow the steps on the screen to complete the update.
When you're ready, you can check the Android Auto version in the app on your mobile phone.
While Google didn't seem to include big changes in Android Auto 13 – though more notable updates might be happening under the hood, and we only have to discover them – the company is already working on new features.
One of the most notable features is radio station integration, which allows users to listen to the radio while driving without having to leave the Android Auto interface. Anyone who wants to listen to a radio station today with Android Auto running on the screen must leave the app's interface and return to the native infotainment system to access the list of stations. Google wants to integrate this list in Android Auto, so when you want to give up on music streaming and start listening to a radio station, you can do it without leaving the app.
Additionally, Google will also offer upgraded capabilities, including HD radio and music streaming in the same UI, eventually providing users with a comprehensive media listening experience in Android Auto.
The first build in the Android Auto 13 branch is 13.0.6440, and despite the jump from version 12 to 13, you won't find a new interface or new features. Android Auto 13 is just a regular release, likely focused on bug fixes and performance under the hood, landing only a few days after the previous 12.9 stable update.
The Google Play Store rollout takes place in stages, and this means that users must wait up to several weeks for the update to land on their devices. Some are luckier than others and will get it faster, but fortunately, sideloading remains an option, and anyone can use it to download Android Auto 13 on their devices.
It all starts with you downloading the Android Auto 13 APK installer on your device. Once the download is complete, you must navigate to its location on your Android smartphone with a file manager. Tap the installer, and you'll initiate the update process. You don't need to remove the existing Android Auto installation from your device, as all files are replaced automatically.
Depending on your Android phone configuration, you might be prompted to allow the installation of apps from third-party sources. By default, some phones only allow apps from the Google Play Store, so follow the steps on the screen to complete the update.
When you're ready, you can check the Android Auto version in the app on your mobile phone.
While Google didn't seem to include big changes in Android Auto 13 – though more notable updates might be happening under the hood, and we only have to discover them – the company is already working on new features.
One of the most notable features is radio station integration, which allows users to listen to the radio while driving without having to leave the Android Auto interface. Anyone who wants to listen to a radio station today with Android Auto running on the screen must leave the app's interface and return to the native infotainment system to access the list of stations. Google wants to integrate this list in Android Auto, so when you want to give up on music streaming and start listening to a radio station, you can do it without leaving the app.
Additionally, Google will also offer upgraded capabilities, including HD radio and music streaming in the same UI, eventually providing users with a comprehensive media listening experience in Android Auto.
Google News