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Google faces EU scrutiny over Android Auto app design and testing Play Store navigation update

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Google

Key Points:

  1. Android Auto Restrictions: Google’s app design limits may violate EU competition laws.
  2. JuicePass Issue: An EV charging app was blocked due to non-compliance with templates, leading to legal action.
  3. Play Store Update: Google tests a disappearing navigation bar feature for better user experience.

For many years, Android Auto apps followed strict design templates, limiting their flexibility. Recently, updates have introduced more freedom, but these design restrictions have put Google under regulatory scrutiny, especially in Europe.

According to Reuters, Google’s app design limitations for Android Auto have attracted the attention of the European Union (EU). The concern is that these restrictions might breach EU competition laws. This case originates from Italy, where a legal issue arose over an app called JuicePass, a tool used for electric vehicle (EV) charging. JuicePass was blocked from Android Auto because it didn’t fit Google’s predefined templates.

Initially, Google claimed JuicePass couldn’t be integrated due to its app templates. However, in 2021, Italy fined Google for allegedly prioritizing its own navigation apps like Maps and Waze over third-party applications like JuicePass.

Recently, EU Court Advocate General Laila Medina stated that Google’s practices “may violate competition rules.” However, it’s unclear if this opinion considers Google’s gradual relaxation of its template restrictions. In recent years, Google has allowed new app categories, such as navigation apps, to launch on Android Auto. Despite this, JuicePass remains unavailable on the platform, with Google previously citing security concerns as the reason.

In response to the case, Google commented that they have addressed the issues raised by JuicePass’s developers and many similar apps are now available on Android Auto worldwide. The company is awaiting the final decision from the EU court.

Meanwhile, Google is also testing a small but useful tweak for the Play Store. In a recent update, the navigation bar has become more dynamic. Previously, Google made the navigation bar visible on all screens, including app listings and developer pages. Now, the company is experimenting with a feature where the navigation bar disappears as users scroll down but reappears when they scroll back up.

This feature, already seen in the Gmail app, improves screen space and makes browsing more fluid. Although this change hasn’t rolled out in the current Play Store version, it seems ready for release soon.

Once this feature becomes available, users can expect smoother navigation across the Play Store.

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Android

Android Auto gets a behind-the-scenes update

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Android Automotive

Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.

What’s New?

  • Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
  • Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.

When Will Car Media Be Available?

Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.

How to Get Android Auto 13.0

The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.

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Android

Google Maps incident reporting now available on Android Automotive

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Android Automotive

Android Automotive users can now report traffic incidents directly from their cars, thanks to a recent update that brings this feature to Google Maps on the in-car operating system. This is a significant improvement over the previous limitations, which restricted incident reporting to mobile devices only.

With this new functionality, Android Automotive users can easily report a variety of traffic issues, such as accidents, road closures, traffic congestion, and other hazards. To report an incident, simply open Google Maps and tap the yellow hazard triangle. You’ll then be presented with a list of options to choose from, allowing you to accurately describe the situation.

This feature is particularly useful for keeping roads safe and improving traffic flow. By reporting incidents promptly, users can help other drivers avoid potential dangers and plan their routes more efficiently. Additionally, the data collected from these reports can be used by traffic management authorities to make informed decisions about road closures, detours, and other measures to alleviate congestion.

Overall, the ability to report traffic incidents directly from Android Automotive is a valuable addition that enhances the user experience and contributes to safer roads for everyone.

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Android

Google cancels One-Click Chrome OS on Android

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Google

Google’s dream of turning Android phones into powerful PC replacements has taken a hit. The company has decided to stop developing an app that would have made it super easy to run Chrome OS on Android devices.

What does this mean?

It used to be that you could run Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system designed for computers, on your Android phone. This would have turned your phone into a mini-laptop, allowing you to do things like work, browse the internet, and use productivity apps.

Why did Google cancel the app?

While Google didn’t give a specific reason, it seems like they might be focusing on other projects or exploring different ways to integrate Chrome OS into their Android ecosystem.

What’s the big deal about Chrome OS on Android?

Imagine being able to use your phone like a computer. You could use office apps, run multiple apps at once, and even connect a keyboard and mouse for a more desktop-like experience. It’s a cool idea that many people were excited about.

Is there still hope?

Even though Google canceled the app, they might revisit this idea in the future. Plus, there are other ways to run Chrome OS on Android, although they are more complicated and require technical know-how.

So, while Google’s one-click Chrome OS dream is on hold for now, it’s still something to keep an eye on. Who knows what the future holds for Android and Chrome OS?

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