Google is adding home-screen widgets to Android Auto, enabling users to customize their car dashboards using widgets from their phones. Currently codenamed "Earth," this feature is in development with Android Auto, allowing a split-screen dashboard view.
Widget Integration and Usage
With the Android Auto app, users can select installed phone widgets for their car's dashboard. Initial examples include Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Clock, Gemini, Calendar, and Weather. Early prototypes show some widgets as oversized or truncated.
- Google develops new feature for Android Auto: home-screen widgets.
- Code name for project: "Earth"; feature includes split-screen view.
- Users select and customize widgets through the Android Auto app.
- Examples in testing: Spotify, Calendar, Weather.
- Concerns: Safety and user interface consistency.
Safety and Consistency Concerns
Despite potential benefits, there are concerns that arbitrary phone widgets may disrupt Android Auto's safety templates. These templates reduce driver distractions, insisting only approved or design-specific widgets be used.
Google might introduce limitations on widget use, requiring a developer tag or certification. The goal is balancing personalization opportunities with safe, consistent user experiences across different car models and driving environments.
If successful, this development could further expand Android Auto's functionality, providing a more customizable and interactive user experience inside the vehicle.
