Hey Google, repair android auto

For most individuals, Android Auto, together with Apple Automobile Play, has changed the infotainment system that got here with their automobile with one thing that’s an extension of their cellphone. Whereas we have seen Android Auto flourish, there are a number of areas the place Google might enhance the expertise.

1 Completely different automobile, completely different expertise

Seamless experiences all spherical

Prior to now, one of many arguments I ceaselessly had with Apple customers was concerning the fragmentation of Android throughout completely different manufacturers. Mainly, with Apple units, everybody has the identical expertise. Whereas I feel that is sort of boring so far as telephones and tablets go, I don’t need a completely different consumer expertise between vehicles and Android handsets once I’m driving.

I need all of the buttons and settings to be in the identical place. There should not be a studying curve. If I’ve to fiddle about on the lookout for a particular setting or management whereas driving, that is clearly a difficulty. Google has already taken vital steps to unify the Android Auto expertise, however the firm might do extra. Since it is a automobile, you’d need the buttons to be in the identical place for security causes alone. I can not depend what number of occasions I’ve bought right into a rental and needed to discover buttons to do issues, solely to repeat the method in Android Auto.

2 Caller show

Any person is looking. Do not look now.

A few of us really use our telephones for calling, and a few of us older of us let our telephones ring out loud.

When somebody calls and their identify seems on the show, one factor ought to occur and the opposite I want it did not. Firstly, I want to hear Android Auto announce the caller by default. Positive, you may get your cellphone to do this, nevertheless it’s a royal ache within the butt to alter the setting for every time I get into the automobile after which out manually. Google, please repair this; assist us drivers maintain our eyes on the highway.

Additionally, why does Android Auto cowl your navigation app to show the identify of the particular person calling you? Can you alter this, Google? A small bubble notification is simply fantastic, or as I discussed, an audio announcement with the choice to select up or reject the decision along with your voice can be splendid. Whereas we’re on the topic, the choice to say Reject or Reply, possibly Ship to voicemail, can the brand new Google Gemini AI assist right here?

3 Pause music between drives

Put a cease to it

My different main annoyance with Android Auto entails audio playback. Music, podcasts , or no matter you final performed within the automobile, the audio will proceed once you re-enter it, whether or not you prefer it or not.

Whereas that is fantastic on some events, it may be grating on others. Within the morning, for instance, I need a quiet getaway. The very last thing I want is a Formulation 1 podcast blasting very first thing on my morning commute.

Once more, a easy toggle someplace would do wonders.

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4 Hear what I say

Shouting would not assist, apparently

I am not American. I’m English. There are occasions when Google Assistant will battle to know what I say except I say it in an American accent. In case you get an opportunity to fulfill me and ask me to do an American accent, keep in mind I used to be introduced up with Soiled Harry and John Wayne motion pictures. Apparently, Google would not discover this very useful, both.

To be honest, poor speech recognition shouldn’t be 100% restricted to Android Auto, however the automobile is the place the place I expertise the worst of what Google has to supply, and the place the place accuracy is paramount.

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