Android auto 13.0 update sets the stage for media control

Android Auto 13.0 is now available for drivers. This release brings users closer to the announced feature of controlling media. In the future, Android Auto will allow users to control the radio or play music from a USB drive connected to the car.

Android Auto 13.0 is another system update for drivers where seemingly little has changed. However, as noted by the 9to5Google service, analysis of the APK file indicates further innovations "under the hood" related to the upcoming media handling option from the car. Ultimately, drivers are expected to gain the ability to control FM radio or listen to music from a USB drive, which currently requires leaving Android Auto and using the car’s system.

New strings of characters indicating advanced work have appeared in the Android Auto 13.0 code. Previously, the app was also supposed to receive icons that will eventually represent shortcuts for operating the radio and "local media," referring to music stored on car disks or connected USB storage. Android Auto 13.0 may therefore be valuable for enabling new features on the server side. Drivers eager to see new options as quickly as possible should install it.

Activating changes on the server side is a typical strategy for Google in the context of Android Auto. The smartphone app is updated and supplemented with features "behind the scenes." Still, in practice, these features appear on drivers' phones and cars only at a later time, activated remotely, precisely on the server side.

As a result, it may turn out that even several versions of Android Auto, such as 12.9 or 12.8, gain a new function overnight. However, the latest release guarantees that no new feature will be missed and will likely be activated the fastest. Android Auto 13.0 will generally be installed automatically on smartphones with Android 10 or later. However, forcing a check in the Google Play store can usually expedite the update.