Android Auto to soon support car's built-in radio

Android Auto builds a connection with the car's media control

Tech Desk - Jul 18, 2024

An undated illustration of cars infotainment screen. — Freepik — An undated illustration of car's infotainment screen. — Freepik

If you're a car enthusiast and heavily rely on multimedia (or entertainment-related) functionalities while driving, then you must be well aware of Android Auto's nitty-gritty, its upsides, and its pitfalls.

Regarding the pros of Android Auto, it already allows users to manage multimedia from music and podcast apps, and as far as the downsides are concerned, these apps have no relation to the vehicle's radio. Fortunately, this won't remain intact for much longer.

Android Auto builds a connection with the car's media control while supporting apps and services that allow you to play and control music and podcasts from a smartphone.

These apps also include music streaming apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, and many more. Meanwhile, some cars bring to the table their built-in radio besides using Android Auto, but what might add to the woes is that you must juggle between Android Auto and the car’s native radio.

In order to get rid of it, Android Auto is said to be going to let you control your car’s radio.

According to 9to5Google, this was spotted on v12.3 and v12.4, the latest versions of Android Auto. The discovery contained strings suggesting support for “Car Radio” controls. This was inclusive of switching between AM and FM stations, and “HD Radio” support.