Android Auto Now Has Gaming Features in Effort to Ape Tesla

Afterreplacing Google Assistant with Gemini , Google ’s next liberal plan for Android Auto is to permit you bet a cartoon colonnade racing game inside your full - sized sedan . The next update to Android Auto 14.1 is sum up a blue-ribbon few games you could encounter on your car ’s touchscreen . Before you ask , yes , it ’s only available while you ’re park . Then again , if Tesla owners ’ previous misadventure with biz on the go are any evidence , peradventure car companies can cool down it with providing feature that should be reserved for our earpiece or give gaming devices .

Google firstpromotedgaming apps on Android Auto when discourse itsMarch 4 Pixel Drop . The first few games launching in the novel Android Auto 14.1 beta update includeFarm Heroes Saga , Candy Crush Soda Saga , Angry Birds 2 , andBeach Buggy Racing.9to5Googleshowed a video of this feature in military action with a connect Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold . The user was obviously struggle to control the Beach Buggy with a single digit while slant over in the driver ’s seat . Even on the self-aggrandising screen , it ’s certainly wanton to have two quarter round available with the screenland right away in front . But I ’m sure if you ’ve ever been sting in the car with one kid while waiting for the other to get out of an after school event you’re able to see the value in an extra distraction .

These few games may not be optimized for Android Auto , just yet . The web site mention thatAngry Birds 2failed to start , then was “ grey out ” in the app drawer . Beach Buggy Racingstill showed the option for arguing controls , and we doubt many hoi polloi are putting gyroscope sensors on their hydraulic lowrider temporary removal for the sake of feel tighter arcade racing controls .

Games may be the only full-screen experience you can get on Android Auto. Not even Google Maps can make that claim.

Games may be the only full-screen experience you can get on Android Auto. Not even Google Maps can make that claim.© Florence Ion / Gizmodo

Google does have a video recording of a substance abuser playingFarm Heroes Sagaand the plot gibe the car ’s aspect ratio well , so we ’ll see if that remains the case for all compatible vehicles at full release . The full - screen app experience is n’t intend for the person in the driver seat , but will probably work fine for a nestling drill out of their idea await on their Sonic Ocean Water . Still , the centre console seems like the worst billet to meet a secret plan , no matter which induct your sitting in .

It ’s the variety of feature that seems orthogonal but for very quality few user . The ability to access YouTube on Android Auto while parked seems more of a shoo in , but the focus on play seems like an effort to lure more Tesla buyer . Tesla railroad car could play some game natively since 2019 , though the Elon Musk - endure electric railroad car fellowship study high temperature after driversstarted playing games while on the move . Tesla laterblocked its gaming featureswhen the car was in motionunder threat from federal investigator .

Google may see play as a fashion to get users concerned in Android - based self-directed driving . The inevitable next step is for Google ’s empire to put Android in all its self-reliant vehicle ( courtesy of Waymo ) , which is really the only position where games in car make sense .

040 Auto Parked Apps Android Auto