Google will soon make it possible for video apps on Android Automotive to switch between video and audio modes when the car is in motion, right as Google plans to bring video apps to Android Auto.
Video apps already exist on Android Automotive, but they work exclusively when the vehicle is parked. This means that the content is cut off the moment the vehicle is in motion, which is a good thing in most cases, but can be a downside with some types of content. For example, video podcasts and sports games benefit from the visuals, but they aren’t required.
That’s exactly why Google will allow Android Automotive apps to switch between video and an audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion.
Google explains during a developer video:
We’re also enabling audio while driving experiences for video apps on cars with Google built-in. You can now implement seamless transitions from parked video playback to audio-only listening while driving. Suppose you’re streaming a live sports event while getting curbside pickup. Now, you can continue listening to the audio when you start to drive again.
For now, this is available in an early access program and only on cars running Android 14 and above through Android Automotive OS. App developers need to manually implement the feature.
The benefits are obvious, but the timing is also pretty exciting. Google confirmed this week that it will “soon” support video apps on Android Auto – the phone-based platform that works on car displays – and it stands to reason that this functionality could make its way over.
For now, though, there’s a lot of waiting. Not only do we need to wait for this new functionality to make its way to Android Automotive apps, but we also have to wait for video apps to come to Android Auto. Either way, though, Google is putting a lot into building out Android app functionality in cars, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
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