Google is testing a new design for the media controls in Android Auto. In the latest beta version (10.8), the media player gets a fresh look, making it easier to use while driving.

Instead of showing small buttons and album art on the side, the new layout places bigger buttons across the screen. The play/pause, next, and previous track controls are now centered, making them easier to tap. The seek bar also stretches across the bottom of the player, giving users a better view of track progress. Album artwork still shows but in a smaller size, and the background uses a blurred version of the same art, giving it a modern style.

This design update first appeared in Android Auto 11.4 beta and seems to still be in testing. Some users have reported seeing this new layout on their head units with version 11.4 or later. Google might be testing the feature through a server-side switch, so it may not appear for everyone yet, even if they have the beta installed.

While it’s not clear when or if this layout will roll out widely, the changes show that Google is focused on improving the Android Auto experience. Bigger buttons and a cleaner layout can make it safer and more convenient to control music while driving. For now, the update is limited to beta testers, and more changes might still come before the final version.

Google recently added a new full-screen account switcher to Android, but many users feel it’s a step back in terms of speed and design. Before this change, when you tapped your profile picture in apps like Gmail or Google Maps, a small pop-up would let you quickly switch accounts without leaving the screen. Now, this action opens a full-screen page, which takes longer to load and feels less smooth.

The new design is trying to be more consistent with Material You — Google’s modern design style — and matches how account switching works in the Google app and Play Store. However, the added animations and full-page layout seem to slow things down instead of improving the experience. It also forces users to take more steps just to switch accounts.

One positive part is that the switcher now includes a “Manage accounts” option directly within the full-screen view. This used to be hidden in a separate menu, so it’s easier to find now. Still, many people preferred the quicker, simpler pop-up style.

It’s not clear if Google will keep this new full-screen switcher or make changes based on feedback. For now, if you use multiple accounts often on Android, expect the process to take a bit longer than before. While design updates can help unify the look of Android apps, they shouldn’t get in the way of basic tasks like switching accounts.

Google has announced that Android Auto is now available in over 250 million vehicles around the world. This big milestone shows just how widely used the software has become since it launched in 2015.

Android Auto lets drivers connect their Android phones to their car’s infotainment system, giving them easy access to apps like Google Maps, YouTube Music, and messaging while staying focused on the road. Over the years, Google has made several improvements to the platform, such as a split-screen design that shows navigation, media, and messages all at once. It also uses Google Assistant to make hands-free tasks easier.

This wide availability is thanks to support from over 60 car brands, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, and Hyundai. Many new vehicles now come with Android Auto pre-installed. In 2023, the redesigned Android Auto started rolling out, featuring a modern look, better controls, and support for more screen sizes.

Besides Android Auto, Google also works with automakers to bring Google built-in systems directly into cars. This means features like Google Maps and Google Assistant are part of the car itself, even without a phone. Though not as widespread yet, more brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Honda are starting to include it.

With Android Auto now reaching over 250 million vehicles, Google continues to strengthen its place in the connected car space. It’s clear that both Android Auto and Google’s built-in systems are playing a big role in shaping the future of driving.