Google confirms Android Auto updates & fixes for media apps – the squiggly line is here to stay

Google has announced several recent Android Auto updates for media apps, including the confirmation that the squiggly line design is here to stay. According to a Reddit post by Google’s Android Community Engagement Manager, five updates have been either rolled out or widely available in the past few months.

The first update allows for controlling media from any app, including YouTube, and has been available since March for YouTube and has since expanded to other apps. This feature enables play/pause and skip controls but does not allow users to browse other data within the app.

A redesigned media app player, which has been rolling out since July, has been updated to provide an improved interface for apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pocket Casts. This new design makes it easier to access playback controls and fits well on various screen sizes.

Another feature enabling users to swipe between active media sessions from the dashboard widget has been rolling out as well. This allows users to easily access different media apps while driving, with both apps staying readily available even when switching between them.

A background improvement to Android Auto’s autoplay feature has been implemented to prevent media apps that have not been recently used from being selected for autoplay. Additionally, Android Auto will now recognize if users frequently stop autoplay and offer a pop-up to turn off the feature quickly.

Finally, the post confirms that the "squiggly line" media player design, which has been the subject of mixed feedback, will remain in use. The redesign is meant to make it easier to see where users are in a track at a glance, but Google is listening to feedback as the change has been divisive among the Android Auto community.