- Android Auto is getting assist for video apps like YouTube, however playback will solely work whereas the automobile is parked.
- Movies can run at as much as 60 FPS on appropriate infotainment programs from manufacturers like BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, and Mercedes.
- As soon as the automobile begins shifting, video playback stops or switches to audio-only mode to assist scale back driver distraction.
Google is on the brink of roll out certainly one of its greatest Android Auto updates but. One of many headline options is assist for video apps—beginning with YouTube—that may run straight on a automobile’s infotainment display.
It’s a fairly main change, however there are strict limitations. Video playback will solely work whereas the automobile is parked, whether or not you’re taking a break, charging an EV, or ready in a car parking zone. Apps like YouTube— and sure Netflix afterward—are meant for downtime, not to be used whereas driving.
One of many extra attention-grabbing particulars is video high quality. YouTube on Android Auto will assist playback at as much as 60 frames per second, however solely on autos with appropriate infotainment {hardware}. That mainly means the system wants a high-resolution show and sufficient processing energy to deal with clean video playback.
Google has already talked about a number of automakers anticipated to assist the function, together with BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Skoda, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. These manufacturers will seemingly be among the many first to supply the brand new era of built-in video apps.
There’s additionally an vital security restriction constructed into the system: the second the automobile begins shifting, video playback mechanically stops. It really works equally to different security options in trendy infotainment programs, like disabling deal with entry whereas driving to scale back distractions.
Security First
Google can be including a devoted security mode for video apps. As a substitute of shutting down fully as soon as the automobile begins shifting, supported apps can swap to audio-only playback. The video feed is changed with a static picture whereas the audio continues within the background.
That function is determined by whether or not the app helps background audio playback. In YouTube’s case, for instance, background listening requires a Premium subscription. On the free model, playback might cease totally as soon as the automobile begins shifting.
Google nonetheless hasn’t confirmed a precise launch date for video apps on Android Auto, however the function is anticipated to roll out someday this 12 months. YouTube will seemingly arrive first, and Netflix is anticipated to comply with later.
Motor1’s Take: The thought is easy: give drivers and passengers a method to get pleasure from leisure throughout stops with out compromising security on the street. We count on this know-how to develop into commonplace throughout the business.