For better or worse, Google's latest Android Auto update makes time spent in the car more productive thanks to a new integration with Microsoft Teams, Webex by Cisco, and Zoom.
"Soon you’ll be able to join important meetings without taking your eyes off the road," Google says. "You can easily join a scheduled meeting by audio from your display."
Google did not confirm a timeline for the capability, but says it will roll out "soon," so get ready for status updates on work projects as your co-workers speed down the highway.
Android Auto—which Google expects to be available in nearly 200 million cars by year's end—got a long-promised overhaul at CES 2023, but Google announced several more updates as part of its I/O developer conference today.
Beyond Android Auto, Google also offers Google built-in, which is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than connecting to the dash screen via the driver's personal device like Android Auto, Google built-in is the dash screen operating system.
Brands like Chevrolet, Honda, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo are adopting Google built-in as a means of bringing their dash-screen capabilities closer to that of a mobile phone or computer. As PCMag saw at CES earlier this year, the car industry is moving toward more in-car entertainment alongside the rollout of autonomous driving features. Google expects the number of cars with Google built-in will more than double by the end of 2023.
"US drivers spend almost 70 billion hours behind the wheel every year," Google says. "But thanks to bigger screens and more advanced technology built into vehicles, it can be time well spent—with apps and features specifically designed to help you make the most of your drive."
Those with Google built-in cars will now be able to watch YouTube when the car is parked, provided the automaker has enabled it for their vehicles via an over-the-air update. So far, Polestar and Volvo have committed to adding YouTube to their vehicles, though have not revealed timing yet.
Drivers can also play games on GameSnacks, including titles like Beach Buggy Racing 2, Solitaire FRVR, and My Talking Tom Friends. "There are now nearly a million gamers per month on GameSnacks for Android Auto, and today we’re bringing the GameSnacks experience to cars with Google built-in," Google says. Tesla and BMW also offer dash gaming.
For communicating with friends, family, and colleagues, an update to Google Assistant will "share smart suggestions so you can quickly respond to messages, share your arrival time and more with a tap from your display," Google says. "This feature is coming to cars with Google built-in over the next few months."
Google-owned Waze is also bring its improved EV charging details, announced in March for mobile, to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in (as well as Apple CarPlay, Waze tells PCMag). It helps users plan road trips and find compatible chargers along the way. Look for it on three upcoming EVs: the 2024 Volvo EX90, 2023 Polestar 3, and 2024 Chevrolet Blazer.