Android Auto Coolwalk is real and it's spectacular!

[Electric Goat]

This is something that android auto should have had years ago. I'm thrilled that most of us could see this in our cars before the new year!

 

[Eraser]

This is something that android auto should have had years ago. I'm thrilled that most of us could see this in our cars before the new year!

Agreed, better late than never.

Considering this update was supposed to be out in the summer and the beta is just now made available, I somewhat doubt it will be released this year. I hope I'm wrong on that .

 

[tuminatr]

For those of us that aren't in the beta program, here is an article and link to download the beta

https://m.timesofindia.com/gadgets-...res-what-is-changing/articleshow/95465571.cms

 

[imstriker]

It really is amazing how much of an improvement this is. We have been doing way too much driving this weekend and this has been a pleasure to have. Great timing for us after getting full screen AA. Surprisingly enough, so far, this is also the first major AA update that did not break my Fermata for YouTube.

 

[Jimrpa]

This update is currently only available to AA beta v8.5.124504 and must be enabled by Google server side. According to a number of articles it was officially released for beta users on Friday 11/11. Anyone following this update is well aware this has taken WAY longer than expected, but I can confirm, the wait is well worth it.

Although the AA layout is dynamic based on the screen dimensions there doesn't appear to be a way to move or resize sections manually. The quick launch buttons on the bottom also appear to be added dynamically based on what you used recently. The section that shows the weather works like an overflow section, for example, if you get a text message the preview will appear in that box after the initial notification banner goes away. After a period of time that preview goes away and returns to the weather again. Overall, I'm REALLY loving this update and it complements perfectly with the Ford Sync update that lets AA go full screen.

I've only had this for the day so I haven't had a ton of time to mess around with it, but I figured I would share what I know so far. I'll post updates if I discover anything else of note.

Two important questions:
1. Is this compatible with iPhones, or must you have an android phone?
2. Does this enable the remote frunk release?

 

[tuminatr]

Two important questions:
1. Is this compatible with iPhones, or must you have an android phone?
2. Does this enable the remote frunk release?

1 no Android Auto is for Android as Apple Car Play is for iPhone
2 AA and CP do not have a frunk button

3 on a separate thought look at AA Ford has stated the next version of Sync will be based and Android

 

[Jimrpa]

1 no Android Auto is for Android as Apple Car Play is for iPhone
2 AA and CP do not have a frunk button

My bad - I thought this was the android replacement for Sync. Sorry!

 

[tuminatr]

My bad - I thought this was the android replacement for Sync. Sorry!
[/QUOT

I am excited to see that too. You could look at the Polestar forum for info keep in mind there is a very recent release that looks nice.

Also ford did announce current cars that came with Sync 4 will not be upgraded to Android probably hardware differences

 

[Jimrpa]

I am excited to see that too. You could look at the Polestar forum for info keep in mind there is a very recent release that looks nice.

Also ford did announce current cars that came with Sync 4 will not be upgraded to Android probably hardware differences

I wasn’t aware that ford confirmed they wouldn’t upgrade existing vehicles to the android auto version of sync.
(To be honest, I’m a bit relieved because I’m concerned about data privacy. The polestar is a Chinese vehicle so, by definition there is no data privacy.)

 

[tuminatr]

I wasn’t aware that ford confirmed they wouldn’t upgrade existing vehicles to the android auto version of sync.
(To be honest, I’m a bit relieved because I’m concerned about data privacy. The polestar is a Chinese vehicle so, by definition there is no data privacy.)

Openly I would be less worried about Android than Sync 4. If you own a smartphone privacy is an illusion (my opinion)

 

[RedDragon]

Who is responsible for that huge bar at the top that says which phone you have (in these pics it says pixel 7 pro)? Is that a Google thing or ford thing? That huge bar is a complete waste of space and needs to be redesigned - it really bothers me.

Does apple carplay have something similar ?

@Ford Motor Company - maybe write this down for redesign (if in your control) ?

 

[Eraser]

Who is responsible for that huge bar at the top that says which phone you have (in these pics it says pixel 7 pro)? Is that a Google thing or ford thing? That huge bar is a complete waste of space and needs to be redesigned - it really bothers me.

Does apple carplay have something similar ?

@Ford Motor Company - maybe write this down for redesign (if in your control) ?

That area is part of Ford Sync, it's the same for Carplay. I agree that the extra "white space" on that section as well as the bar at the very top of the screen (where the profile picture is) could uses a bit of trimming. Overall, I think you'd recover another half inch or so of vertical screen space. I guess I'm less worried about that issue after getting the full screen mode, which was much more significant.

 

[joymyr]

Who is responsible for that huge bar at the top that says which phone you have (in these pics it says pixel 7 pro)? Is that a Google thing or ford thing? That huge bar is a complete waste of space and needs to be redesigned - it really bothers me.

Does apple carplay have something similar ?

@Ford Motor Company - maybe write this down for redesign (if in your control) ?

I totally agree. Having two top bars is never a good solution. Ford could just remove that second one. The "fullscreen" button is misplaced anyway, as it also shrinks the recent apps list below AA. It should be a draggable handle between AA and the recen apps list, similar to split screen on Android. Not sure about the settings icon, but I'm never using it. And while they're at it the topmost topbar could be reduced to one line, with the clock next to the temp.

 

[Guss-E 2021]

My bad - I thought this was the android replacement for Sync. Sorry!

That might be Android Automotive as opposed to Android Auto, not the same thing which is totally not confusing. /s

 

[Guss-E 2021]

@Eraser on a side note, how do you like the 7 Pro? I've read very good things about it.