Android Auto has always played it safe. Navigation, calls, messages, music — rinse, repeat. It’s been functional, not flashy. But now, Google’s quietly breaking that mold with a move that might just make your car feel a little more like your living room… at least when it’s in park.
At I/O 2025, Google confirmed something that had been floating around in whispers for a week: video streaming and web browsing are officially coming to Android Auto. There was no grand fanfare or flashy demo’s. Just a subtle “coming soon” tag and a few hints about what’s ahead. But don’t be fooled by the low-key rollout — this is a big deal.
Your Car, Reimagined (But Not While Driving)
Here’s the catch and let’s be thankful for it: this functionality only kicks in when the car is parked. Waiting for your partner to run into the store, chilling in a parking lot or picking someone up from the airport. That’s when Android Auto will finally let you fire up a browser or watch a quick YouTube clip (or anything else developers bring to the table).
The initial rollout will require a phone running Android 16 and a “compatible car,” which is code for: this won’t work everywhere right away. But it’s a clear sign that Google is serious about making Android Auto more than just a glorified nav system.
From Utility to Entertainment Hub
This update feels like Google leaning harder into the Android Automotive OS playbook — the full in-car operating system found in vehicles from Volvo, Polestar, and others, where apps like YouTube and even native games already exist. Android Auto isn’t quite going that far yet, but it’s taking meaningful steps in that direction.
Google is also rolling out support for weather apps (no more fiddling with your phone to check the forecast at a rest stop), and they’re launching a feature called Spotify Jam. It turns your car into a mini DJ booth, where anyone with a phone can scan a QR code on the screen and contribute to the playlist. Group road trips just got a little more democratic and possibly more chaotic.
The Fine Print
Google’s also experimenting with an “audio-only” mode for video apps inside Android Auto, a clever compromise for people who want to listen to video content (like podcasts, live shows, or news) while driving without gluing their eyes to the screen.
Android Auto is now active in over 250 million cars worldwide. A platform dominance that sees every small update here affects millions of drivers instantly, and Google knows it.
Final Thoughts
The car is becoming the next battleground for tech ecosystems. Apple’s got its next-gen CarPlay in the works. Tesla’s doing its own thing (because of course it is). But Google is quietly and methodically turning Android Auto from a passive dashboard companion into something smarter, more flexible, and way more entertaining.
The future of in-car tech isn’t just about maps and voice commands anymore. It’s about bringing the best of your smartphone and eventually, your digital life into the vehicle without sacrificing safety.
For now, park it, press play, and enjoy the ride. Just don’t expect to binge Netflix in traffic anytime soon.
