Android
Google Password Manager adds Passkey support on desktop and Android Auto introduces Tesla NACS charger compatibility
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Password Manager now supports saving passkeys on desktop Chrome for easier sign-in.
- Android Auto now includes support for electric vehicles (EVs) using Tesla’s NACS charging system.
- The latest Android Auto update makes it easier to find NACS chargers for non-Tesla EVs.
Google has made it simpler for users to save and access passkeys on their desktop Chrome browser through its Password Manager. Previously, passkeys could only be saved through the Google Password Manager on Android devices. To log in from a desktop, users needed to scan a QR code with their Android phone, which added a layer of inconvenience.
Now, with this new update, Google Password Manager on Chrome can store passkeys for macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS (currently in beta testing). Support for iOS is expected soon. This means you can sign in using a passkey by just scanning your fingerprint or entering your device’s passcode directly on your desktop, removing the need for QR code scanning.
When creating a new passkey on your desktop, you’ll be prompted to enter a six-digit recovery PIN. This PIN is essential for unlocking your passkey on other devices. Additionally, your Android’s screen lock can act as a backup security method. Google highlights that this PIN enhances security by ensuring your passkeys are encrypted and cannot be accessed by others.
On a different front, Google is also rolling out a significant update to Android Auto. This update is important for electric vehicle (EV) users, especially those who need access to Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging stations. Until now, Android Auto supported various charging systems like J1772, CCS, and CHAdeMO, but it didn’t support NACS, which is now expanding as a major charging standard.
With this update, users with non-Tesla EVs can now enable NACS charging options through Android Auto. By doing this, they can easily locate Tesla’s NACS charging stations using Google Maps. It’s worth noting that Tesla vehicles do not natively support Android Auto, but this update will benefit non-Tesla EV users who use the NACS charging network.
A recent example of how this is useful is the approval of NACS adapters for GM’s electric vehicles. These adapters allow GM’s EV drivers to use both the NACS and CCS charging options. Google is gradually rolling out this update through the Play Store beta, and it should be available to a broader user base in the coming weeks.
Android
Android Auto gets a behind-the-scenes update
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.
Android
Google Maps incident reporting now available on 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.
Android
Google cancels One-Click Chrome OS on Android
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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