Android Auto 15.8: all the new features you need to know

Android Auto continues to receive updates at a pace that, for many drivers, has become routine. A new version number is released every few weeks, and sometimes it's hard to know what has actually changed. With the arrival of Android Auto 15.8 (and later betas like 17.8) we have a package of improvements that touch on several key areas: the assistant with Gemini, the interface, Google Maps and general stability.

In this article you will find a a very detailed review of all the new features These changes have been discovered in these versions, both the official ones and those detected by the community through daily use of the system. We'll see exactly what's changed, what you can expect in your car, how to install the beta if you're impatient, and what implications these changes have for the driving experience.

Gemini fully embraces Android Auto

One of the main features of this batch of updates is the arrival of Gemini as a smart assistant within the Android Auto ecosystem. Until now, many users had started seeing it on their phones, but not on their car's screen. With version 15.8 and subsequent betas, Gemini is beginning to establish itself as the device that will gradually replace the classic Google Assistant.

The most interesting thing is that Gemini completely changes the way of talking to the carThere's no need to memorize anymore. commands Instead of specific commands like "call X" or "navigate home," you can use much more natural language, almost as if you were talking to a passenger. This makes some tasks faster and less stressful when you're driving.

Furthermore, the IA Gemini brings a more fluid and useful layer of conversation: you can ask questions during the journeyYou can ask for route clarification, request traffic or weather information, or even get help with more complex searches without having to constantly tap the screen. For many drivers, this makes journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.

However, it's important to be clear that Gemini activation does not depend solely on the version that you have installed. Even if you update to Android Auto 15.8 or higher, the feature is rolled out by region and server, so it may take a while to appear even if you are completely up to date with the updates.

In practice, installing the latest version helps you be "prepared" for when Google activates Gemini in your area, but There is no guarantee that it will turn on instantly.It's a phased rollout, as is the case with many important Google features.

How the experience changes with Gemini behind the wheel

Once Gemini is active, the first thing you notice is that The conversations are more human and less robotic.You can string together related questions without having to repeat the context over and over again, which is really useful if you're looking up information during a long journey or if you want to refine a route.

This more natural way of interacting helps reduce distractions: You speak spontaneouslywithout reciting commands you wouldn't use in a normal conversation. For someone who spends many hours driving, having an AI next to you that understands the context and can maintain a continuous dialogue is more noticeable than it seems.

Gemini also integrates with key in-car services, such as Google Maps and the apps courierYou can ask it to read and reply to messages, find cheap gas stations, modify your route if you encounter traffic, or generate an incident report to warn other drivers, all by voice.

Another interesting detail is that this AI It doesn't just stick to the basicsIt can answer more complex questions while you're stopped or traveling as a passenger, for example, explaining an alternative route, suggesting stops, or providing information about your destination. However, it's important to use these features sensibly and always keep your attention on the road.

In summary, for many users who have already tried it in their car, the feeling is that Gemini transforms Android Auto in more than just a simple navigation and music screen, bringing it closer to a true digital co-pilot that accompanies you during the journey.

Widgets pinned to the screen: “EarthCompanion” function

Another major new feature that has been discovered in the code of the latest versions is the possibility of Pin widgets directly to the car's screenThis feature, internally known as “EarthCompanion”, is set to become one of Android Auto’s most striking features once Google finishes refining it.

The idea is that you can place small modules with information in the Android Auto interface, for example watches, There, access to assistants such as Meta AI within WhatsAppor shortcuts to specific functions. This opens the door to a greater customization of the digital dashboardSomething that many users have been requesting for a long time.

Currently, the feature is in its early stages and can only be explored in mobiles with access root...launching hidden Android Auto activities. Those who have been able to access these menus have seen that there are several widget options available, although it's clear that it still needs adjustments and optimization.

Version 15.8 and subsequent betas appear to be making progress in rolling out this feature: the code shows increasingly solid references to EarthCompanion and the different types of widgets that can be pinned to the screen, but Google She hasn't released it to everyone yet. stably.

When it becomes official, all indications are that these widgets will be integrated with the current Android Auto interface, including the view CoolwalkOffering a more vibrant and adaptable panel for each driver, always with the aim of not saturating the screen and maintaining safety.

Changes to Google Maps: Goodbye to automatic suggested destinations

Beyond Gemini and widgets, one of the most talked-about changes by the community directly affects Google Maps inside Android AutoIn recent versions, such as Android Auto 15.5 and 15.6 (and later), Google has removed the automatic display of suggested destinations when opening the app in the car.

Previously, as soon as you opened Maps, a list of suggested destinations based on your history or in your usage habits: home, work, frequent routes, etc. Some users found it very useful, but others saw it as intrusive and impractical when the suggestions had nothing to do with what they needed at that moment.

Now, when you open Google Maps in Android Auto, what you see is basically The map is clean, with no suggestions on the cover.To access these recommended destinations, tap the search box, where they will be displayed full screen alongside your recent searches and saved addresses.

This change has been widely celebrated by those who were accustomed to Close suggestions as soon as they appearEspecially on small screens, gaining space for the map and truly important information makes navigation more comfortable and less cumbersome.

However, for those who almost always commute to and from work using these suggestions as their primary focus, the change implies an extra touch on the screen to reach the same destination. Hence the debate about whether Google should add a setting to choose preferred behavior, something that doesn't currently exist.

A change that is coming to almost all devices

One of the most striking things about the removal of automatic suggested destinations is that, according to user comments on forums like Reddit, The change has come in a fairly widespread wayregardless of the phone or car brand. In fact, many users have verified the adjustment in almost all devices without manual intervention.

There is no official confirmation as to whether this adjustment was introduced in version 15.5, 15.6, or a server deployment, but all indications point to it being linked to the latest widely adopted versions from Android Auto. In any case, the vast majority of users already see it active without having changed any settings.

In these types of features, Google usually activates small changes silently, taking advantage of updates that also bring internal fixesThat's why it's common to find changes in the interface or behavior of certain apps without them being announced anywhere.

Although it may seem like a minor adjustment, it fits perfectly with the company's objective: to make the experience cleaner and more stableThis reduces unnecessary steps and avoids extra distractions while driving. As a bonus, it improves usability in cars with smaller screens.

For now, there are no signs that Google will reverse this decision in the short term, so we'll have to get used to the suggested destinations live inside the search engine and don't invade the entire map when starting the app in the car.

Internal updates: stability, performance, and security

If you check the Android Auto version history, you'll see that many times, as with the stable version 14.8, no major features appear visibleEven so, these versions are just as important, or even more so, than those that bring striking changes, because they directly attack the stability of the system.

In version 14.8, for example, the update focused primarily on correct errors and improve performance of the infotainment app. This results in a smoother interface, fewer crashes, and more predictable behavior when playing multimedia content or using multiple apps simultaneously while the car is stationary.

Google is usually very cautious with new features in Android Auto because, after all, We're talking about a system that is used while driving.A serious fault in the car's display can distract the driver at a critical moment, which is why improvements are introduced very carefully and tested for quite some time before being rolled out to everyone.

This philosophy explains that, although we know the company is working on important changes such as Progressive replacement of the classic Assistant by Gemini or the expansion of new media cards in the Coolwalk view, many of those features take time to become visible or are hidden in the code for several versions.

The good thing about this approach is that, if you keep Android Auto updated, You enjoy a more stable and secure platformEven when you don't see anything new at first glance. That's why it's so highly recommended to always install the latest available version, both stable and, if you like to experiment, a specific beta version.

How to install Android Auto 15.8 and beta versions

If you want to be among the first to try the new features, you have two options: wait until The stable version will arrive via Google Play or install the beta yourself by downloading the APK from a reliable repository like APK Mirror.

In the case of version 15.8 beta, Google initially released it to users enrolled in the testing program, but Anyone can download it and install it manually, provided you know what using a beta version entails (i.e., a higher chance of occasional errors).

The general process for install the update manually On your Android phone, it would look something like this, always using common sense and knowing that you do so at your own risk, since A beta version may contain bugs.:

• Download from your mobile browser Android Auto 15.8 APK (or the corresponding beta version) from a reliable site such as APK Mirror.
• Use an application capable of Install APK in bundle formatAPK Mirror is one of the most common options for this type of file.
• Run the downloaded file, select the APK Mirror installer app, and accept the update to replace the existing system version.
• Verify that the file is correctly signed by Google, which guarantees that it is an official package without modifications and that, if this were not the case, the system would not allow the update.

If you prefer to take the safe route and not complicate things, you can always wait for the stable versionwhich will eventually arrive in a matter of days or weeks via Google Play. You'll just need to search for Android Auto in the store and apply the update when it becomes available.

On current devices, almost everyone uses ARM64 architectureSo, if you choose to manually install the APK, it's best to choose that type of package to avoid incompatibilities with your phone.

Mobile phone connection to car: wired, wireless and automatic detection

Beyond the software updates, it's worth remembering how to use Android Auto on a daily basis, because many questions about the versions get mixed up with connection problems between the mobile phone and the carThe good news is that, in most current vehicles and compatible audio equipment, the process is quite simple.

Most often, it is enough to connect the phone using a USB cable to the corresponding socket in the car. As soon as the system detects compatibility, Android Auto launches on the dashboard screen, displaying the adapted interface and the allowed applications.

If your car or multimedia system supports the wireless option, you can also set up Android Auto wirelessly. To do this, you need to Pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth and follow the steps in the setup wizard. Once this is done, on many models the phone will automatically connect every time you enter the vehicle.

In some cases, the first time you set up the wireless connection you also need use the cable USB for initial pairingFrom there, communication is established via WiFi and Bluetooth without user intervention.

After setup, depending on the car and the manufacturer's implementation, Android Auto may start automatically or via a specific icon on the infotainment system screen. In either case, have the latest version installed It helps minimize compatibility issues with different vehicle models and software updates.

When something goes wrong (disconnections, black screens, audio errors, etc.), it's a good idea to check the version of Android Auto you have installed, clear the cache if necessary, and Check for pending updatesbecause many fixes arrive precisely in these new "silent" versions.

All these recent versions of Android Auto, led by 15.8 and subsequent betas, point in the same direction: a system increasingly stable, smarter and less intrusiveIn this version, Gemini takes center stage as a conversational assistant, Google Maps is simplified while driving, and future widgets promise a more customizable dashboard. Keeping the app up-to-date, using reliable sources for betas, and understanding how your phone and car connect are key to getting the most out of it without surprises.