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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’s new update gets Ready for Gemini

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Android Auto

Google recently rolled out Android Auto version 14.0, and it’s paving the way for something big—Gemini integration. This update doesn’t bring flashy new features for users to play with right away, but it’s doing important behind-the-scenes work.

The main focus? Getting the app ready to team up with Google’s Gemini AI system. According to experts who peeked into the update’s code, Android Auto is setting up to use Gemini’s smarts down the road. This could mean better voice commands, sharper answers, or even a more helpful driving buddy.

For now, though, things look the same when you connect your phone to your car. The changes are mostly hidden, preparing for a future where Gemini takes the wheel—figuratively, of course!
This update also keeps Android Auto running smoothly with the latest Android phones. It fixes small bugs and makes sure everything works like it should.

While there’s no official word yet on when Gemini will fully join the party, this step shows Google’s big plans for smarter driving tech. If you’ve got Android Auto, your phone might already have this update—or it’ll show up soon through the Google Play Store. It’s a quiet one, but it’s laying the groundwork for exciting stuff ahead. So, next time you plug in, know your car’s system is getting a little brainier, even if it’s not showing off just yet!

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Android

How to view Android files on Linux and unlock your Pixel faster

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Android 16

Want to check your Android phone’s files using a Linux computer? It’s simple! First, connect your phone to your Linux system with a USB cable. Open the terminal and install a tool like “mtp-tools” to help your computer talk to your phone.

Type a few easy commands, and you’ll see all your files—like photos, music, or documents—right on your screen. It’s a quick way to grab stuff without digging through your phone. Now, if you’ve got a Google Pixel, here’s a cool trick to unlock it faster.

Normally, you wake the screen before using the fingerprint scanner. But with a small tweak, you can skip that step! Go to your phone’s settings, find the display options, and turn on a feature that lets the fingerprint sensor work even when the screen is off.

Once it’s set, just tap the sensor, and your Pixel unlocks instantly—super handy for quick access! Both tips make using your Android smoother. Whether it’s file exploring on Linux or speeding up your Pixel, these tricks save time and effort. Try them out!

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Android

New Android 16 Beta and Wear OS 5.1 updates bring changes

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Android 16

The Android 16 beta is here, and it’s letting more Pixel phones use a cool feature: unlocking with the fingerprint sensor even when the screen is off. This makes getting into your phone faster and easier, especially for people with newer Pixel models.

It’s a small but handy upgrade that saves time and effort. Meanwhile, the Wear OS 5.1 update for smartwatches is causing some trouble. Users are noticing that notifications are showing up late, and there are other annoying bugs too.

Instead of making things better, this update has left some people frustrated with their watches not working as smoothly as before. Both updates show how tech companies are trying to improve our gadgets, but the results aren’t always perfect.

The Android 16 beta brings a nice perk for Pixel owners, while Wear OS 5.1 needs some fixing to get back on track. For now, phone users might be happier than smartwatch fans as these changes roll out. Keep an eye out for more updates to smooth things over!

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