Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
- Android Auto and Android Automotive OS now display a “P” badge on top of icons for apps that should be used when the car is parked.
- This will make it easier to distinguish between rich experience apps and distraction-optimized apps that are to be used when the car is moving.
When it comes to in-car interfaces, you have two popular options on the Android side of the camp. There is Android Auto, which runs on your phone and displays on your car’s dashboard, and there is Android Automotive OS (AAOS), which runs straight on your car’s infotainment system. Using both is a similar experience, but it can sometimes be frustrating. Many in-car apps are usually built to be used when driving, while some apps that require more attention require you to be parked. Thankfully, the OS finally appears to let users know the difference between the two sets.
As spotted by Smartdroid (via Arstechnica), Google is working towards making Android Auto and Android Automotive OS more functional when your car is parked. This will be achieved by labeling apps that can be used only when your vehicle is parked with a “P” badge on top of the icon, making it easier to distinguish from apps that can be used while driving.
