Download Android Auto 14.8 Beta: Revives Google Assistant and Gets a New Search Bar in Maps
Our recent report about Google Assistant getting a revival seems to be helping several Android Auto; about 200 million active cars using Google’s Android Auto. While the reality of Gemini Live assistant for cars seems to be getting closer, Google is maintaining the both — the native Android Assistant and Gemini AI assistant for Android Auto — for now.
In the previous update, Google added some new piece of code featuring Gemini AI settings or option baked directly into Android Auto phone settings app. Some users will soon see new Gemini settings in Android Auto app. Once you see these settings, you will know Gemini is activated. While also updating the Google Assistant app for better compatibility in existing cars relying on the native assistant.
The following code suggest new Gemini settings are coming which will help enable and tweak AI for Android Auto:
- settings_gemini_barge_in_mode
- settings_general_settings_title
- settings_gemini_settings_title
New Digital Assistant Option in Android Auto
However, Android Auto 14.8 update adds new piece of code reviving Google Assistant with the following settings:
<public type=”string” name=”settings_digital_assistant_error”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_digital_assistant_settings_title”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_digital_assistant_summary”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_digital_assistant_title”/>
The title and summary of Google Assistant settings have also changed. So instead of Google assistant, it now says:
Manage your digital assistant
Use your voice to get more done in the car
New Google Maps Search Bar in Android Auto
The search bar on Google Maps has changed with a big Google Search bar and a split briefcase icon which is a shortcut for work/home route.
That’s not it, Maps on Android Auto gets a new shortcut button, with a briefcase icon, which is in fact a shortcut to your route to work. Once you have added home and work locations in Google Maps, click the briefcase icon to start a rout to work or home. It is a nice little useful update for your daily commute.
This is how it looks like:
Compose Messages via App with Contact Name on Android Auto
Furthermore, Android Auto now lets you compose messages via different apps with contact name. Here is the new code we found:
<public type=”string” name=”messaging_compose_via_app_with_contact_name/>
- Also read:
Download Android Auto 14.8 Beta APK
Android Auto 14.8 is now available for download. Moving forward, Android Auto will utilize the bundled APKs format, though installation remains straightforward — Split APKs (multiple APKs) format. You may need to download an additional application to install APKs, APKM, xAPK, or zip files.
- Android Auto 14.8 beta download
- How to install Split APKS/XAPK/APKM/ZIP on any Android device
Download Android Auto from Play Store
The official Android Auto listing is now available on Play Store. However, the latest version takes some time to reflect as it is a phased update.
