Android Auto is getting a major upgrade to take on Apple CarPlay

Android Auto is getting a major upgrade to take on Apple tree CarPlay — here's how

(Epitome credit: Future)

Android Auto is getting a massive functionality boost to navigation, parking and charging apps from today.

The upgrade, which is detailed on the Android developers blog, allows third-party developers to create and publish their own apps in those cardinal areas — meaning you'll soon start seeing them announced on the Google Play Shop.

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This opening up of the Android Motorcar ecosystem had first been teased last August, with some apps available to test in beta class over recent months. But from today, developers will exist able to push button their apps alive to the full Play Shop.

Until now, Android Machine has been a rather restrictive platform; Google permitted developers to release messaging and media apps for it, simply it was otherwise essentially a closed program.

While we appreciated Google's desire to create a loftier-quality user experience, this lack of third-political party support in critical categories led to some pretty large holes in the service'due south feature itemize.

Though flagship navigation apps such Google Maps and Wyze have always been supported, newcomers to the store already include the likes of T-map, Chargepoint, and A Better Route Planner. We're especially partial to Chargepoint, which locates your nearest EV charging station: handy if you're driving i of the best electrical cars but are running low on juice.

Of course, Google hasn't opened the floodgates to any and all apps to be thrown onto the Play Store without oversight. It's still insisting that third-party developers follow its guidelines when making software bachelor via Android Automobile, and volition likely exist quick to human action should any offending apps attempt to gain a place on its digital shopfront.

All in all, this is a pretty significant upgrade to the Android Automobile platform that gives users an extra layer of customization and allows some very useful apps into the service. The update comes in the wake of a fresh Spotify' "car thing" leak, which is hoping to rival both Android Auto and Apple tree'south CarPlay.

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Rory is a staff author at Tom's Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics including tech news, deals, gaming, streaming and more. When he'due south not writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he can be plant watching a borderline unhealthy amount of movies and being thoroughly disappointed by his terrible football squad.