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Android Automotive enhances safety with heads-up navigation display

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Android Automotive

Key Points:

  • Quick Info: Distance, time, and arrival data are now shown directly in the dashboard.
  • Safety Boost: Keeps essential navigation details within easy view while driving.
  • Convenience: Allows other apps to stay open without losing navigation details.

Android Automotive has introduced a new feature that enhances driving safety and convenience. The latest update adds a heads-up mini display that shows essential travel information, such as distance, travel time, and estimated arrival time, directly on the dashboard when using Google Maps for navigation.

This new display feature has begun rolling out for Google Maps and is already visible on vehicles like the Polestar 2 with the latest Android Automotive P3.1.10 build. Previously, this information was confined to the center console, but now it appears as a small block on the dashboard when you start navigation. The block shows the estimated travel time, distance in miles or kilometers, and expected arrival time, all based on your current speed.

While this heads-up panel improves accessibility, it might slightly cover some map directions while you’re driving. However, once you reach your destination or cancel the navigation, the mini-panel disappears, reverting to the basic Maps overview or the default Android Automotive dashboard.

Updates to Android Automotive tend to be gradual, but even small changes like this can significantly improve the driving experience. This feature is particularly beneficial as it reduces the need to glance away from the road, keeping key navigation information in your line of sight. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances safety by minimizing distractions.

Moreover, this update is a time-saver. Drivers no longer need to reopen the Maps app on the center console to check travel details. They can keep other apps, such as music or media, open without losing track of essential navigation information.

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Google

New Pixel Watch feature simplifies phone swaps

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Google Pixel Watch

Google has introduced a smart new tool for Pixel Watch owners to ease the transition when upgrading to a new phone. The latest Pixel Watch app update (version 2.2) now includes a “Switch phone” prompt that pops up when the app notices your watch is linked to a different device. This alert, visible on the app’s home screen, guides you to connect your watch to the new phone effortlessly.

The feature walks users through the steps to transfer their Pixel Watch, ensuring a smooth setup. Once completed, the prompt vanishes, and the app updates to show the new connection. It supports all models—Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3—but requires the newest app version, so you may need to update.

This addition addresses a common hassle where users forget to re-pair their watch after switching phones, which can lead to syncing issues. However, the reminder might feel a bit insistent for those not ready to make the switch immediately. It’s unclear if you can turn off the prompt for good.

Google’s attention to practical tweaks like this highlights their commitment to improving user experience. The phone switch feature saves time and reduces frustration, especially for frequent phone upgraders. If you’ve recently changed phones, open the Pixel Watch app to check out this helpful tool.

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Android

Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

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Google

Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.

The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.

For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!

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Google

Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

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Google

Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.

This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.

If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.

This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.

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