- Android Auto is getting assist for video apps like YouTube, however playback will solely work whereas the car is parked.
- Movies can run at as much as 60 FPS on appropriate infotainment programs from manufacturers like BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, and Mercedes.
- As soon as the automotive begins shifting, video playback stops or switches to audio-only mode to assist scale back driver distraction.
Google is on the brink of roll out one in all its greatest Android Auto updates but. One of many headline options is assist for video apps—beginning with YouTube—that may run immediately on a automotive’s infotainment display.
It’s a reasonably main change, however there are strict limitations. Video playback will solely work whereas the automotive is parked, whether or not you’re taking a break, charging an EV, or ready in a car parking zone. Apps like YouTube— and certain Netflix in a while—are meant for downtime, not to be used whereas driving.
One of many extra attention-grabbing particulars is video high quality. YouTube on Android Auto will assist playback at as much as 60 frames per second, however solely on automobiles with appropriate infotainment {hardware}. That mainly means the system wants a high-resolution show and sufficient processing energy to deal with easy video playback.
Google has already talked about a number of automakers anticipated to assist the function, together with BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Skoda, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. These manufacturers will probably be among the many first to supply the brand new era of built-in video apps.
There’s additionally an vital security restriction constructed into the system: the second the car begins shifting, video playback routinely stops. It really works equally to different security options in trendy infotainment programs, like disabling handle entry whereas driving to scale back distractions.
Security First
Google can be including a devoted security mode for video apps. As a substitute of shutting down fully as soon as the automotive begins shifting, supported apps can change to audio-only playback. The video feed is changed with a static picture whereas the audio continues within the background.
That function will depend on whether or not the app helps background audio playback. In YouTube’s case, for instance, background listening requires a Premium subscription. On the free model, playback could cease fully as soon as the car begins shifting.
Google nonetheless hasn’t confirmed an actual launch date for video apps on Android Auto, however the function is predicted to roll out someday this yr. YouTube will probably arrive first, and Netflix is predicted to comply with later.
Motor1’s Take: The concept is easy: give drivers and passengers a solution to get pleasure from leisure throughout stops with out compromising security on the street. We anticipate this know-how to grow to be customary throughout the trade.
