Google introduces updated features for Android Automotive, including integrated developer tools for enhanced customization.

Google has announced a series of updates aimed at enhancing the in-car experience for drivers and passengers. The tech giant is making popular apps more accessible in vehicles, introducing new quality tiers for apps, and collaborating with car manufacturers to accelerate the process of bringing mobile apps to cars.

Starting with the app availability, popular titles like Beach Buggy Racing 2, Solitaire FRVR, and My Talking Tom Friends from publishers like Vector Unit, FRVR, and Outfit7 Limited will now be available on cars with Google built-in. Additionally, Waze is now rolling out globally on the Google Play Store for all cars with Google built-in, including the first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV launching this year.

In a move to streamline the process of bringing apps to cars, Google is introducing new quality tiers for apps, inspired by large screen tiers. The program will initially focus on parked app categories like video, gaming, and browsers, with plans to expand to other categories in the future. The new tiers are: Tier 1: Car differentiated, Tier 2: Car optimized, and Tier 3: Car ready.

Tier 1 apps are specifically built for cars and can adapt their experience across driving and parked modes. Tier 2 apps provide a great experience on the car's center stack display and have some car-specific engineering. Tier 3 apps are large screen compatible and are enabled while the car is parked, with potentially no additional work required.

Google is also working with partners to bring productivity tools like Microsoft Teams, Webex by Cisco, and Zoom to the car for easy meeting access by audio from the display. Furthermore, GameSnacks, a platform for mobile games, now has nearly a million gamers per month on Android Auto, and Google is bringing GameSnacks to cars with Google built-in.

In addition to app availability, Google Cast (formerly Chromecast built-in) is coming to cars with the Android Automotive OS, starting with Rivian in the coming months. Select car models like the Acura ZDX, Ford Explorer, and more will now allow passengers to catch up on episodes of shows on Max and Peacock or play a game of Angry Birds on select cars with Google built-in.

YouTube is now available for car makers to offer in cars with Google built-in. Select partners, including Polestar and Volvo Cars, have committed to bringing this experience to their cars via over-the-air software updates.

To facilitate the development of high-quality experiences in cars, Google has introduced new developer tools. These include a new emulator for distant and panoramic displays, a tool to address the wide range of screen shapes and UIs in cars, and an Android Automotive OS system image for the Pixel Tablet.

Google is also collaborating with car manufacturers to accelerate the process of bringing mobile apps to cars through the Car ready mobile apps program. Ford and General Motors are expected to receive Google Cast integration over Android Automotive OS in the coming months.

Lastly, the new Find My Device experience is rolling out globally, allowing users to find items like keys, wallet, or luggage using Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee. This feature is a useful addition for drivers and passengers alike, ensuring that important items are never misplaced during a journey.

With these updates, Google aims to help drivers safely and easily navigate, stay connected, and keep themselves entertained - both on and off the road.

Google introduces updated features for Android Automotive, including integrated developer tools for enhanced customization.