Unveiling Android Auto 13.0: Paving the way for seamless media control

Android Auto 13.0 is another system update for drivers where seemingly little has changed. However, as noted by the 9to5Google service, analysis of the APK file indicates further innovations "under the hood" related to the upcoming media handling option from 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 to use the car's system.

New characters indicating advanced work have appeared in the Android Auto 13.0 code. Previously, the app was also expected to receive icons that would eventually represent shortcuts for operating the radio and "local media," described for music stored on car disks or connected USB storage. Android Auto 13.0 could 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 in the context of 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 on the server side.

As a result, it may turn out that several versions of Android Auto (for instance, not only 13.0 but also 12.9 or 12.8) gain new functions 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.