With Android Auto 13.4, Google brings its Material You design language to the in-car experience. This update introduces a feature where accent colors from your Android smartphone are mirrored on the vehicle’s display. However, the integration is limited to specific system areas and must be enabled in the settings.
Material You, first introduced with Android 12 in 2021, marked a significant evolution in Google’s design approach. It features dynamic color schemes that automatically adjust based on the smartphone’s wallpaper, creating a cohesive and personalized visual experience.
Current Implementation in Android Auto 13.4
The introduction of Material You in Android Auto 13.4 offers color customization in select areas:
- System Settings: Full support for dynamic color integration.
- Notifications: Colors adjust dynamically based on the smartphone’s theme.
- Menu Cards: Buttons and background elements reflect customized colors.
- Media Apps: Colors adapt to the artwork of the current album or media.
Known Issues and Upcoming Updates
While promising, the Material You integration still has some reliability issues:
- The system occasionally fails to respond to smartphone color changes.
- Users may need to restart the Android Auto app or reconnect their phone to see updates.
- In some instances, color changes do not take effect at all.
This update primarily focuses on stability and bug fixes. It does not include features like Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, or enhanced car radio controls.
