Android Auto is getting ready to integrate radio station control – Google

According to the latest analysis of the application code conducted by the site, 9to5GoogleGoogle is planning to add a feature that has been missing so far: controlling the car radio.

While Android Auto supports a wide range of apps, such as navigation via Google Maps, playing music and podcasts, and accessing basic information such as weather, the ability to control AM, FM, and HD radio stations via the car’s receiver is lacking. This gap looks set to be filled in the near future.

In versions 12.3 and 12.4 of the Android Auto app, bits of code were found that explicitly reference controls for AM, FM, HD Radio, and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting). While satellite radio is not mentioned, users can already use separate apps for services like Sirius XM, while the TuneIn app stands out for local radio stations.

The addition of the feature that will make app usage and data consumption redundant is expected to significantly improve the Android Auto user experience. Until now, drivers have had to switch from the Android Auto environment to the car manufacturer’s infotainment system to listen to the radio, a process that can be distracting. By integrating radio controls into Android Auto, the listening experience will become more consistent and potentially safer.
However, it is important to emphasize that this feature is still in the testing phase and has not been officially announced by Google. There is no information yet on what the user interface will look like or how many stations users will be able to save as presets.

In addition to this major addition, Google has already made some minor changes to Android Auto. One of them is to provide tips to improve performance when the phone is overheating. Additionally, the company has removed several options related to wallpapers, with Android Auto now able to use the user’s phone’s wallpaper.