At CES 2024, Google announced new features for Android Auto and Google Built-in that are mainly related to Google Maps and electric vehicles (EVs). Along with that, the company has released new applications for Google Built-in. Let’s take a look.
Google Maps will use EV battery information for trip planning through Android Auto
Electric vehicles that feature Android Auto will be able to share real-time battery information with Google Maps. Based on that, Google Maps will be able to show you the amount of battery that will be left in your vehicle when you arrive at a destination. Along with that, it can use real-time battery information to suggest charging stops along the route and estimate the amount of time it will take to charge the battery.
The new functionality will make it easier and more convenient for people to plan trips in their electric vehicles using Google Maps. The company will roll out this feature in the coming months and Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning will be the first models to get it. There’s no info about which other cars will get this feature.
Send trip from Google Maps on Android and iOS devices to car with Google Built-in
If your vehicle has Google Built-in, you will be able to send a trip from Google Maps on Android and iOS to Google Maps on your vehicle. This will enable you to quickly set up the same navigation on your car’s infotainment display that you had finalized on your smartphone. This feature is starting to roll out today.
Google Chrome and The Weather Channel apps releasing on Google Built-in
Google has announced the Google Chrome app for Google Built-in, which allows people in the car to browse the web and keep themselves entertained. However, if you are the one driving the car, make sure that you use it only when the car is parked to avoid distraction while driving. The app is rolling out today to select Volvo and Polestar cars.
Along with that, Google has also announced that The Weather Channel app is now available for Google Built-in, allowing you to “stay up-to-date on changing weather conditions with hourly forecasts, follow-me, alerting and “Trip View” radar right from your dashboard.”