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Android Auto app widgets mirror mobile, leak shows close release
After appearing in previous leaks, Android Auto’s widget selection is resurfacing as launch approaches. Gemini is the latest change to Android Auto, even if it’s been received with some friction. Google is working on other changes to round out the automotive version of Android, as seen in new leaks. What was originally leaked as Google’s codename “Earth” project, an unreleased version of Android Auto, has been renamed to align more with what it actually does, which is add widgets (via Android Authority). The “car widgets” menu now appears in Android Auto version 16.8.161804-release.daily. When tapped, the menu that appears looks identical to what Android users are used to in the home screen widget selection page. The menu offers a featured and browse section, with a search bar for easier navigation. Some of the simple app options seen in leaked images are Calendar, Chrome, Google Drive, and even ChatGPT. Since Android Auto is designed as an extension of your phone, it would make sense that a few widgets designed for the Pixel or other devices would look the same on your car dashboard. It’s also possible that Google limits how certain widgets work on the dashboard to ensure they appear properly on screen. For now, there’s little telling how it will work in full. As is the case with most features found in unreleased app versions, there’s no information on when this feature will be announced. Android Auto widgets has more weight to it than other features, too. It’s very likely it’ll begin rolling out at some point soon. With Google I/O coming up, it may be part of new announcements regarding Android as a whole. More on Android Auto: Google Maps on Android Auto now shows bigger labels on streets along your route [Gallery] Gemini for Android Auto reverting to Assistant in bizarre bug, Google is aware I was excited for Gemini on Android Auto, until I tried it — it could be much better FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Android Auto supports way more apps than you think—here are 4 surprises
Published Apr 28, 2026, 3:01 PM EDT Arol is a tech journalist who currently works as a contributor at How-To Geek since 2022. He first began writing online for the short-lived portal of Spanish-language gaming forum Emudesc in 2013. Years later, in 2017, he got his true start in tech journalism working for a small Google-focused site called Pixel Spot. He transitioned to a news and feature writer role at XDA Developers that same year, where he worked until 2021 before making the jump to other websites. Arol brings nearly a decade of writing experience, and the occasional hot take, to his writings. While he's a technology lover at heart, he holds computer hardware and smartphones particularly close to heart. You'll normally find him covering news, although he has also written the occasional deal, buyer's guide, how-to post, and round-up. He's also written for Android Police and MakeUseOf. He's also a Political Science student. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him hitting the gym, trying to ace a new hobby, reading his textbooks, or traveling. You can reach him at me@arolwright.com. Android Auto is the same Android that's running on your phone, but with a very limited interface. That's the point, of course, but you'd be surprised by how many Android apps are actually supported by Android Auto. Here are four apps you might typically think of as phone apps, but work as full-fledged Android Auto apps as well. Zoom Get videoconferencing In the era of remote work and constant connectivity, Zoom has become a ubiquitous presence on our smartphones and personal computers. Yet, the idea of engaging in a video conferencing call while operating a motor vehicle seems entirely counterintuitive and highly dangerous. The developers behind Zoom recognized the persistent need for mobile professionals to stay connected during their commutes and created an Android Auto integration that prioritizes driver safety without sacrificing essential communication features. Naturally, the video component of the application is entirely disabled when connected to your car's dashboard—I really doubt your car has a webcam. Instead, Zoom for Android Auto operates strictly as a highly streamlined, audio-only conferencing tool that integrates with your vehicle's existing microphone and speaker system. The primary advantage of this integration lies in its ability to organize and simplify your daily meeting schedule while on the road. When you connect your phone to your car, the...
These simple adjustments can make a big difference to your Android ...
To enable it (without your phone being connected to the car), open Android Auto app, then select Settings from the menu. If your app is up to date, the ...
I use two phones with Android Auto — here's how I easily switch between ...
Have two NFC tags, two Samsung phones, and a spare hour or two? Here's how you can use two phones with Android Auto and switch between them.
