Android Auto, now you can also watch YouTube and Netflix. But only with the car parked
Drivers will be able to access YouTube and Netflix at up to 60 frames per second, but only when the car is parked
Google is preparing to launch one of the most important updates to Android Auto. Among the main new features is support for video apps, starting with YouTube, which will be able to run directly on the car's infotainment screen. This is a significant change, albeit with some limitations. Video playback, in fact, will only work when the car is parked, whether it is a break to recharge an electric vehicle or the normal wait in a car park. Apps such as YouTube, and later Netflix, are used for moments of relaxation, not while driving.
You must have a high-resolution display on board
One of the most interesting details concerns video quality. YouTube on Android Auto will support playback at up to 60 frames per second, but only in vehicles equipped with compatible infotainment hardware. This means that the system needs a high-resolution display and sufficient processing power to handle smooth video playback. Google has already indicated several car manufacturers that will support the feature, including Bmw, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Skoda, Volvo and Mercedes. These brands will be among the first to adopt this new generation of integrated video apps.
The idea is simple: to offer drivers and passengers a way to enjoy entertainment during stops without compromising road safety. The system also includes an important safety limitation: as soon as the vehicle starts moving, video playback automatically stops. Its operation is similar to other safety modes found in modern infotainment systems, such as disabling address input while driving to reduce distractions. As a result, the technology is expected to become a standard in the automotive sector soon.
In motion, the video stream is replaced by audio mode
Google is also adding a dedicated security mode for video apps.
Instead of shutting down completely as soon as the car starts moving, compatible apps can switch to audio-only playback. The video stream is replaced by a static image while the audio continues in the background. Google has not, for the time being, confirmed a precise release date for video apps on Android Auto, but it is expected that the feature will be implemented by the end of the year. YouTube will probably be the one available first, followed by Netflix at a later date.
