New ways Android is improving your drive

Between commuting and running errands, you can spend a lot of time in your car. In fact, U.S. drivers spend almost 70 billion hours behind the wheel every year. But thanks to bigger screens and more advanced technology built into vehicles, it can be time well spent — with apps and features specifically designed to help you make the most of your drive.

Today we’re sharing new updates for vehicles compatible with Android Auto and cars with Google built-in to help drivers safely and easily navigate, stay connected and keep themselves entertained — both on and off the road.

Access your favorite apps and join meetings with Android Auto

Available in nearly 200 million cars by the end of this year, the newly redesigned Android Auto brings the best of your phone into your car. You can access thousands of media, messaging, navigation, parking and charging apps right from your car display.

You can also stay productive on the go. Soon you’ll be able to join important meetings without taking your eyes off the road. We’re working with partners to bring Microsoft Teams, Webex by Cisco and Zoom to the car so you can easily join a scheduled meeting by audio from your display.

Stay entertained and connected with Google built-in

The number of cars with Google built-in — which includes top brands like Chevrolet, Honda, Polestar, Renault and Volvo — is expected to nearly double by the end of this year. So we’re continuing to improve the experience and offer apps that meet two big driver needs: entertainment and communication.

YouTube is now available for car makers to offer in cars with Google built-in. Select partners, including Polestar and Volvo Cars, have committed to bringing this experience to their cars via over-the-air software updates. So you’ll be able to easily watch your favorite videos if you’re, say, waiting for curbside pickup.

There are now nearly a million gamers per month on GameSnacks for Android Auto, and today we’re bringing GameSnacks to cars with Google built-in. Drivers will soon have access to popular titles like Beach Buggy Racing 2, Solitaire FRVR and My Talking Tom Friends from publishers like Vector Unit, FRVR and Outfit7 Limited.

You can easily keep up with friends and family on the go, too. Google Assistant will share smart suggestions so you can quickly respond to messages, share your arrival time and more with a tap from your display. This feature is coming to cars with Google built-in over the next few months.

Navigate and find EV stations with Waze

We’re also bringing Waze to more cars. Already available on Android Auto, Waze is now rolling out globally on the Google Play Store for all cars with Google built-in — including the first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV launching this year. You can use your favorite Waze features, like real-time reports on traffic and road closures, right on your car display.

And as electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, we’re building specific features for EV drivers. We recently announced new EV features on Google Maps for cars with Google built-in, and today we’re rolling out more EV capabilities through Waze across Android Auto and cars with Google built-in. Now you can look up available EV charging stations that fit your EV plug type near you or along your route — all validated by the Waze Community, who volunteer their time to help keep local information up to date.

Look out for all these new apps and features to make your drive smoother, and learn more about how we’re helping developers easily build updates like these.