Android Auto 13.0: Paving the way for enhanced media control

Android Auto 13.0 is now available for drivers. This release brings users closer to the anticipated feature of controlling media. In the future, Android Auto will allow control of the radio or music from a USB drive connected to the car.

Android Auto 13.0 is another system update for drivers, and little has changed. However, as noted by the 9to5Google service, the APK file analysis indicates further innovations "under the hood" related to the upcoming media handling option for the car. Ultimately, drivers are expected to gain the ability to control FM radio or listen to music from a USB drive, which currently requires leaving Android Auto and using the car's system.

New strings of characters indicating advanced work appeared in the Android Auto 13.0 code. Previously, the app was meant to receive icons that would eventually represent shortcuts for operating the radio and "local media," as described for music stored on car disks or connected USB storage. Android Auto 13.0 may therefore be valuable for enabling new features on the server side. Drivers eager to see new options should install it as quickly as possible.

Activating changes on the server side is a typical strategy for Google concerning Android Auto. The smartphone app is updated and supplemented with features "behind the scenes." Still, in practice, they appear on drivers' phones and cars only later, activated remotely precisely on the server side.

As a result, it may turn out that even several versions of Android Auto (for example, not only 13.0 but also 12.9 or 12.8) gain a new function overnight. However, the latest release guarantees that no new feature will be missed and will likely be activated the fastest. Android Auto 13.0 will generally be installed automatically on smartphones with Android 10 or later. However, the update can usually be expedited by forcing a check in the Google Play Store.