Android
4 best Android Auto apps
Today we will tell you about the best 4 Android Auto apps that you can use if you’re going for a drive and enhance your setup. Let’s know those Auto apps that you should use.
Google Maps
It makes sense to include Google Maps on this list since it is the program that motorists use the most while driving because it provides a wealth of features and a simple interface that makes it easier for drivers to get where they’re going. It automatically adjusts between light and dark themes, for example when you reach a tunnel.
Therefore, Google Maps is an obvious option for in-car navigation for anyone using Android Auto. On Android, there are several top auto apps, but Google Maps offers far more functions than the majority of them.
Autovaras Car assistant
Autovaras tracks expiration dates. Just enter the dates for items like your next vehicle inspection, your insurance renewal, or the expiration of your tags.
This crucial information will always be visible to you, ensuring that you don’t forget any deadlines that could risk your license. Although it doesn’t have many functions, it is undoubtedly useful, and you can download and install it for nothing because it is a free program.
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Waze
It is a navigation app. It permits drivers to select effective routes. Anyone can use this app to report accidents or other traffic delays, allowing the rest of us to see up-to-the-minute information.
Although there isn’t much offline support, Waze still provides accurate real-time traffic. Additionally, Waze works nicely with Android Auto and lets you access apps directly from the vehicle. Waze makes for a great traveling companion.
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TomTom Go Navigation
This program includes turn-by-turn navigation, lane guidance, real-time traffic, and support for offline maps. This navigation program is available for a 30-day fully functional trial, and if you like what you see, you can also subscribe on a monthly basis.
Additionally, TomTom Go offers a free app called TomTom AmiGO. However, TomTom Go Navigation is unquestionably the version you should attempt if you demand solid map software that operates offline and want all of TomTom’s navigation features.
Image Credits: Google
Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.
The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.
Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.
The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.
Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google has released the first beta of Android 15 QPR2 for Pixel users. The update can be identified via build version BP11.241025.006. However, users are also waiting for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 in December this year.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update comes with the November 2024 security patch. It is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases are updates that bring more noticeable changes and new features compared to the usual monthly bug fixes. These updates are perfect for testing out bigger UI changes or new features that don’t need to wait for a full Android version release.
The QPR2 Beta 1 is the second major update for Android 15, with the final version expected to launch in March 2025 (via 9to5Google). This update brings the usual bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features to test.
Users participating in the beta program are advised to report any issues via the Android Beta Feedback app, easily accessible through the app drawer or Quick Settings. Install the update now to get an enhanced experience.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google is reportedly going to bring an interesting change with Android 16, which will no longer require two fingers to pull down the Quick Settings panel. Previously, there were concerns that users would need to swipe down with two fingers to bring up the Quick Settings. Fortunately, Google has decided to simplify this process.
With Android 16, accessing the Quick Settings will only require a single-finger swipe down on the right half of the status bar. The one-finger swipe access aligns it more closely similar to other Android manufacturers, like OnePlus and Samsung, have designed their systems.
Several users didn’t like the idea of needing two fingers to swipe down, as it felt more awkward and less convenient. By switching to a single-finger swipe for Android 16, Google will make it easier for users to manage their settings with less effort. A well-known tipster Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted the code for this Quick Settings change.
However, the new design still lacks the ability to swipe seamlessly between the notifications and Quick Settings panels. Hopefully, Google will add this feature before the official release.
In addition to the swipe change, Android 16 will introduce resizable Quick Settings tiles and better categorization to help users find specific settings more easily.
However, these features are still being worked on and may not be fully ready in the current beta. They are expected to roll out in the final Android 16 release, which is expected in mid-2025.