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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

Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

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Android Auto

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.

How to switch between light and dark themes

Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.

To change the theme, follow these steps:

  • Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
  • Go to the settings menu.
  • Find the “Theme” option.
  • Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).

Why themes matter

Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.

In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.

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Android

Google’s New Updates: Gemini 2.5 Pro, Android 16 features, and Messages change

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Google has just rolled out some exciting updates across its services and apps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new and what it means for you.

Gemini 2.5 Pro is here

Google has launched Gemini 2.5 Pro, the latest version of its AI model. This upgrade brings smarter and faster responses, making it easier for users to get helpful answers. Gemini 2.5 Pro is now available in Google’s AI Studio and Vertex AI, so developers can build even better tools and apps using this technology.

Android 16 brings more customization

Android 16 is adding new ways to personalize your phone. One of the standout features is the ability to hide the clock on your lock screen, giving you a cleaner look if you want it. This is part of Google’s push to let users make their phones feel more unique. There’s also a new animation for the power button, making the experience smoother and more modern when you turn your phone on or off.

Google Messages removes the unsubscribe button

If you use Google Messages, you might notice that the “Unsubscribe” button is gone from some business messages. Google has removed this feature, so users now have to find other ways to stop unwanted texts. This change might make it a bit harder to manage spam, but Google hasn’t said why the option was removed.

What does this mean for you

These updates show that Google is focused on making its products smarter and more personal. Whether you’re using AI tools, customizing your phone, or managing your messages, you’ll see some changes that aim to improve your experience.

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Android

Here’s what’s new with Google Keep and Android Automotive apps

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Google Keep is getting a fresh look with the new Material You design, making it more colorful and easier to use on Wear OS smartwatches. The update brings bigger buttons and clearer text, so you can quickly jot down notes or check your lists right from your wrist. This makes Google Keep more handy when you’re on the go and don’t want to pull out your phone.

On another front, Android Automotive is improving how apps show information while you drive. Instead of opening full apps, you’ll see simple cards on your car’s screen that give you important details at a glance.

These cards help keep your focus on the road by showing things like music controls, navigation updates, or reminders without distractions. This new card system is designed to work smoothly with apps like media players and navigation tools, making your driving experience safer and more convenient.

Together, these updates show Google’s effort to make its apps smarter and easier to use in everyday life, whether you’re walking around with your smartwatch or driving your car. The focus is on clear, simple designs that help you get things done quickly without hassle.

In short, Google Keep’s new look on Wear OS and the smart cards in Android Automotive are small but useful changes that make tech fit better into your daily routine.

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