Google used to release a beta version of Android Auto to let users test ahead of the stable version, which allowed them to identify and fix bugs or issues with the help of feedback from a limited number of users. However, this time around, Google skipped the beta release and released Android Auto 9.7 directly to the stable version, which is available to download from the Google Play Store.
The company didn’t share any explanation as to why it chose to skip the beta release for Android Auto 9.7. Google may be confident that the update is stable and doesn’t contain any major bugs. If you don’t see the update on the Play Store, then you can manually download and install the update.
Google also released the June Pixel Feature Drop, which also brings the latest security fixes and new features. Many Pixel users have noticed a slight delay in the release of the update by a few days. The June Pixel Feature Drop includes the latest security fixes and new features. Google’s Android Auto allows users to connect their Android phones to their cars and use their phones for navigation, playing music, checking the weather, and other things while driving.
What’s new in Android Auto 9.7?
Android Auto 9.7 has been released without a changelog. Typically, a changelog is only published if a new version includes major new features. Because of the lack of a changelog, it’s not surprising for long-time Android Auto users. This means that this update primarily focuses on fixing major bugs in the app, including random disconnects and freezes occurring either on launch or in the middle of the drive.
It is designed to make it easier to use the apps that you love on your phone with a simplified interface, large buttons, and powerful voice actions. It brings several new features and improvements, along with a security patch. Check out the following new features, which include:
- Improved DND functionality
- Independent dark mode on the car UI
- Fixed bugs and other improvements
To run Android Auto 9.7, your Android phone must be running Android 8.0 or higher with a data plan. You also need a car or stereo that’s compatible with Android Auto and a high-quality USB cable. It works great with a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection and requires both the car’s head unit and your smartphone to support Wi-Fi Direct. More than 500 cards support Android Auto, and it keeps growing with new car launches.
The update may fix some of these problems, but it’s also possible that it introduces new problems. Some of the major bugs that Android Auto users are currently experiencing are connection issues that have plagued the service across multiple phones, with drivers seeing a black screen and a “Not Responding” message, among others.
How to Update to Android Auto 9.7
- Automatic Update: If you have enabled the Automatic Update app, you will automatically receive the latest version of Android Auto when it is available.
- Download Android Auto 9.7 APK: This is a manual update to update Android Auto by downloading and installing the version of the APK file.
- Update from Google Play Store: If you haven’t set it to automatically update or if you want to make sure you are always running the latest version of Android Auto, you can manually update with the following instructions:
- Open the Google Play Store on your mobile device, and then tap on the search field and type Android Auto to search.
- Next, tap on Android Auto in the search results, and tap on Update.
- Once you finish updating, you will need to restart your phone for the changes to take effect.
Despite Google releasing the stable version without a beta, Android Auto 9.7 is expected to become available on compatible mobile devices and cars shortly. Google has been known for releasing Android Auto updates with bugs, and users hope that Google has thoroughly tested Android Auto 9.7 before releasing it.
Android Auto 9.6 Update
Apart from the topics we have discussed, one widespread issue with Android Auto occurred after the Coolwalk update. The lower part of the screen freezes, and users are unable to interact with their apps, including the navigation bar, which freezes completely. There isn’t any option to downgrade to a previous version, so users are still waiting for a fix. Due to this issue, it is impossible to interact with apps.
The Coolwalk update only affects a small number of users, and there is no official fix for the glitch yet. However, Google is aware of this issue and is working on a solution. Android Auto 9.7 is available to everyone, with or without the Beta Programme, and can be updated through the Google Play Store. It is always a good idea to update to the latest version of Android Auto.