New code snippets indicate that Google is developing Cast support for Android Auto
What you need to understand
– Google is advancing the integration of Google Cast into Android Auto, enabling audio and video casting from smartphones to vehicles.
– Code snippets in Android Auto 15.9 allude to Cast inclusion, indicating that Google is in the process of enhancing in-car casting functionalities.
– Android Auto is also embracing the Material 3 Expressive design, with new media controls observed in the latest version.
If you have been waiting to cast videos and audio from your Android device to Android Auto in your vehicle, this feature might soon be available.
New code snippets discovered in Android Auto version 15.9.655104 suggest that Google is looking to incorporate Google Cast support into Android Auto (via 9to5Google). These snippets were found within the Media Router framework and feature numerous mentions of Cast, indicating that Google is actively crafting casting support for in-car Android interactions.
That being said, the report mentions that the snippets are quite general, so it’s plausible that Google isn’t yet directly implementing Cast support in Android Auto. However, it would be strange for these mentions to surface in Android Auto unless they were intended for use.
It’s also important to note that Android Automotive already has Google Cast functionality, making it sensible for Google to provide similar capabilities to Android Auto.
For those who may not know, Android Auto depends on your smartphone to project Android onto your car’s display, while Android Automotive operates natively on the vehicle and doesn’t necessarily need a phone.
Google is experimenting with something fresh inside Android Auto
Google has previously hinted at video support for Android Auto, and this might be one of the features being refined ahead of an official launch.
In addition to Cast support, Android Auto 15.9 seems to be adopting more aspects of the Material 3 Expressive design language.
As reported by Android Authority, the media player in the latest Android Auto version has started shifting to the revised design, featuring a new progress bar and updated button styles. This feature is not activated by default, but the publication successfully triggered it manually.
Currently, none of these features seem set for public launch, as Google is still actively working on them. Nevertheless, we will keep you informed as these updates start to roll out more broadly.
