Android's Auto update now boasts gaming capabilities, mirroring the gaming functions of Tesla vehicles.
Android Auto's latest update, version 14.1, is set to bring a new feature that allows users to play select games on their car's touchscreen. The initial lineup of games includes popular titles such as Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing [1].
However, it's important to note that these games can only be played while the car is parked. This restriction aims to address safety concerns related to driver distraction, a risk that can lead to accidents.
The new feature was demonstrated in a video by 9to5Google, using a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold [2]. The video showed a user playing Farm Heroes Saga, which seemed to fit the car's aspect ratio well. However, the user struggled to control Beach Buggy Racing with a single finger while in the driver's seat, suggesting potential usability issues.
Tesla drivers have faced criticism and federal investigations for playing games while on the move [3]. In response, Tesla blocked its gaming features when the car was in motion. Interestingly, Tesla cars have been able to play games natively since 2019 [4].
While Android Auto's focus on gaming could be a sign of Google's intent to expand its platform in autonomous vehicles, safety concerns remain paramount. Interacting with complex menus or screens while driving requires attention that should be focused on the road. To mitigate these risks, Android Auto and automotive app developers prioritise limiting visual and cognitive demands on the driver, restricting interactive and video content while the vehicle is moving, and favouring voice control interfaces [1][3][4].
Regulatory compliance also demands that in-vehicle apps prevent distractions to avoid legal penalties and uphold safety standards across different jurisdictions [1][3]. It's worth noting that Angry Birds 2 failed to start and was "grayed out" during testing, indicating that the game may not be optimised for the Android Auto platform yet [1].
Despite the new gaming feature, the ability to access YouTube on Android Auto while parked is not explicitly mentioned as a new feature. Playing games on a smartphone outside the car remains an alternative for those who prefer not to use the Android Auto gaming feature.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the integration of entertainment features like gaming becomes more prevalent, particularly in the context of autonomous driving vehicles. However, safety concerns will continue to be a key consideration, with effective safeguards, restrictions, and regulatory compliance mechanisms being employed to prevent unsafe use [1][3][4].
In a separate development, Google has replaced Google Assistant with Gemini on Android Auto [5]. This move could be a sign of Google's intent to expand Android in autonomous vehicles, potentially integrating its platform in all autonomous vehicles through Waymo. It's also possible that Google is focusing on gaming as a way to attract more users to Android Auto, particularly Tesla buyers [5].
[1] Safety Concerns and Regulatory Compliance in Android Auto and In-Car Gaming [2] 9to5Google Demonstrates Android Auto's New Gaming Feature [3] Tesla Faces Criticism and Federal Investigations for In-Car Gaming [4] Tesla's In-Car Gaming System: A Closer Look [5] Google Replaces Google Assistant with Gemini on Android Auto
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