Google has officially rolled out Android Auto v10.0 eight months after its initial announcement at I/O 2022 and two months of beta testing. This significant release, codenamed ‘Coolwalk’, mainly brings a redesigned user interface (UI) for Google Assistant, though the timing of this UI update is unclear as it could be a server-side push from Google. Despite the large version number leap, 9to5Google has reported that the only major change present in the update is the revised Google Assistant UI.
New Look for Google Assistant
The new UI, also known as the “glow” look, aligns with the assistant’s design on Android smartphones. With this release, the assistant appears at the bottom of the screen with a glowing bar, a feature that was first introduced on the Pixel 4 in October 2019. Prior to this, the voice assistant was displayed at the top of the screen with a black bar and an Assistant logo. This bar remains in the new look, but the logo has been replaced with Google’s colors which glow while instructions are given to the assistant.
Key Changes in the Update:
The Google Assistant UI has been updated with a modern “glow” look, similar to the assistant’s appearance on Android smartphones. The assistant logo on the bar has been replaced with a glowing set of Google’s colors. The changes are not linked to any immediate improvements for Google Assistant’s functionality on Android Auto, but rather, are aimed at giving the platform a more contemporary feel. The roll-out of this new look seems to be attached to Android Auto v10.0, yet the distribution scale remains unknown.
Implications of the Changes
The revamped interface is merely one of many aesthetics updates over the years for Google Assistant within Android Auto. As a part of Google’s continuous efforts to align software across various services and products, it aims to strengthen its unique user experience consistency. The spotting of certain UI components should directly trigger an association with Google’s distinct visual style. Alterations to the Google Assistant are anticipated to go hand in hand with adjustments in Google’s Pixel phones, often serving as pioneers in unveiling the firm’s novel features. Though this modification may seem subtle, it re-emphasizes Google’s dedication towards elevating user experience by confirming that its UI is evident and user-centric on diverse platforms. For more information on the new Android Auto v10.0, you can visit Google’s official blog here. From now on, we can expect it to change alongside tweaks on the company’s best Pixel phones, which are at the forefront when it comes to everything new Google wants to show off.
Expectations Moving Forward
While this recent release of Android Auto v10.0 doesn’t bring substantial updates aside from the new Assistant UI, it’s worth noting that Google has a tradition of slow roll-outs for Android Auto changes. Therefore, users should not expect the Android Auto v10.0 update to be readily available on their phones. With this release, Google continues its strides towards seamless integration across its devices, focusing more on a unified user experience rather than significant functional updates. Future revisions of Android Auto may feature more substantial changes as Google continues to innovate and integrate its technology further.
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