Google continues to make headway with Android Auto updates., and after the recent official deployment of version 14.0, it is now time for its immediate evolution: Android Auto 14.1 in beta phaseAlthough it may seem like a minor improvement, the truth is that it introduces one of the most striking new features of recent times.
This new beta version expands the possibilities of entertainment in vehicles, enabling mobile games to run directly from the car screen. Of course, under certain conditions designed to maintain driving safety. Furthermore, the arrival of versions that improve the gaming experience, such as the best F1 video games for mobile, is also an aspect to consider.
Video games are coming to Android Auto with beta 14.1: a feature in testing
Video game integration is being tested in Android Auto beta 14.1.. Users who have already been able to access this update have detected that certain popular titles such as Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Beach Buggy Racing and Farm Heroes Saga appear directly in the vehicle's infotainment system. This is especially interesting for those who enjoy Android games with the best graphics.
Once downloaded and installed on the paired phone, these games will automatically appear in the Android Auto app menu. However, launching them is restricted to times when the vehicle is completely stoppedAs soon as motion is detected, the system blocks the opening of the games, which turn gray in the interface.
This limitation responds to an obvious reason: securityGoogle thus prevents both drivers and passengers from becoming distracted while driving.
The games, when started from the car's dashboard, they run in full screen, which enhances the immersion of the experience. If you want to exit, simply swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal a close button that returns you to the system's main menu.
Compatibility and requirements to play
Not all users can access this new feature at the moment.Only those enrolled in the Android Auto beta program or those who manually download the APK file from repositories like APKMirror will be able to test it.
Although it is in an early stage, The included games already allow execution via both wireless and wired connections.. Of course, the fluidity and performance They may vary depending on the car model and the multimedia system it incorporates.In some cases, issues such as touch delays or incompatible features have been detected, such as the use of the accelerometer, which is useless in fixed environments like a dashboard.
For a game to run correctly from Android Auto, it must have been previously opened on the phone and the necessary permissions granted. Failure to do so can prevent it from running from the car, resulting in error screens or connection requests. This aspect is also key for games without an internet connection.
New full screen mode improves the experience
One of the most interesting implementations in this beta is the full screen modeUntil now, Android Auto used to keep an app bar or launcher visible even when multimedia services were running. With the arrival of games, this interface has been optimized so that only the content is present on the screen.
This not only affects video games, but also other applications such as video players and compatible browsers, which will also benefit from this expanded view. Swiping down from the top will reveal two options: a back arrow and an “exit” button which leads directly to the main menu.
This gesture is similar to the one we're already familiar with on Android phones, making it easier for the user to adapt. Furthermore, Improves the visual experience by removing unnecessary elements while interacting with the content.
Current limitations and possible future improvements
In tests conducted by specialized sites such as 9to5Google, some issues were noted that could be ironed out in future versions. Some games are slow to respond, have graphical glitches, or simply fail to start.In the case of Angry Birds 2, for example, several users reported that it wouldn't get past the initial loading screen without first launching it on their phone.
It has also been pointed out problems adapting to vehicle screens, since many of these titles have not been developed with this platform in mindThis means that certain buttons or menus are not displayed correctly or are oriented to gestures that don't make sense in a fixed environment.
Despite this, Google is expected to refine this integration. The list of compatible games, although limited at the moment, could be expanded soon.. It is not ruled out that additional titles, such as Roblox or Solitairy Harvest, which are already present in Android Automotive, will also arrive in Android Auto in their next beta or stable versions.
For now, There is no official date for the final release of Android Auto 14.1 with games.We'll have to wait for Google to resolve these initial issues and make it available to all users. In the meantime, those who are curious can continue to access the beta versions manually.
This new functionality, although still under development and with room for improvement, represents a further step towards a more versatile Android Auto system, which aims to remain useful and entertaining in all situations. From waiting in the vehicle to specific moments when you want to disconnect briefly, playing from the dashboard is now a realistic option, as long as the car is stationary.
