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Google Releases Android Auto 17.7 for All Users, Here’s How To Install It
6 photosPhoto: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Google has just pressed the go-ahead button for a new Android Auto build. Version 17.7 is now in the stable channel, relying on the same distribution channels to land on users’ devices.
However, as many users have learned the hard way, waiting for automatic updates through the Google Play Store typically involves a long wait. This system gives Google more control over the rollout process, as the company can track stability and reliability and suspend it whenever it detects an issue.
Fortunately, Android Auto 17.7 can also be manually installed on your smartphone. This allows users to skip the wait, though it also involves the risk of encountering certain bugs.
To install the update manually, you must download the APK installer from this page. When the file is downloaded to your device, you must navigate to its location and tap it to initiate the installation. The process is fast and simple, and you should just follow the on-screen wizard to complete the update. You don’t need to remove the existing Android Auto version from your device beforehand.
As for what’s new in this update, this is a mysterious release because Google no longer updates its changelog for Android Auto. However, considering the number of problems discovered in Android Auto lately – including issues affecting Google Maps (such as the disappearing speedometer) – it’s safe to assume that the focus has been mostly on under-the-hood refinements.
The first change I noticed on my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is that Android Auto finally has the new green icon that some people received with the previous update. It looks like the rollout is now complete, so the new icon should now appear for everybody.
Otherwise, Android Auto doesn’t seem to exhibit any front-facing changes. None of the previously discovered features are part of this update.
For example, Google was caught working on a new weather experience for Android Auto after failing to implement the card-based approach promised when the Coolwalk update came out. Google is now planning to use an animated character – a raccoon – that would show up whenever the user asks for weather information.
The animation takes place over the music card on the Coolwalk UI, with the background being changed according to the weather conditions. This new feature is still in its early phases, so it’s safe to assume that it won’t go live anytime soon.
Android Auto will also get a bigger update announced earlier this year. This update will include widgets and support for video apps, with users finally allowed to watch YouTube clips when their cars are stationary. The update is expected to land by the end of the year.
The full build of today’s new update is Android Auto 17.7.6636.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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