Android Auto tests a visual upgrade for its dashboard media card
Android Police 2026-07-14 06:56:04
Context: Google is testing a visual upgrade for its dashboard media card in Android Auto, which aims to improve the user experience while driving. The redesign, discovered through an APK teardown, features a new layout with a blurred background, prominent album artwork, and relocated playback controls. This update is expected to roll out soon, potentially within a few months.
Key Facts
- The new dashboard media card design features a blurred background that uses the same color tone as the album artwork, replacing the current full-sized background image.
- The album artwork is now displayed more prominently, with the artist and song title moved to the center and positioned below the artwork, and playback options located underneath them.
- The redesigned media card includes additional playback controls, such as shuffle, repeat, and like tracks, in addition to the standard play/pause and skip buttons.
- These visual upgrades are currently only available in the standard driving view, where the map occupies the largest portion of the screen, and do not affect the media apps in full-screen mode.
- The changes are not yet officially available on Android Auto, but appear to be close to completion, with a potential release expected within a few months.