Android Auto 16.1 Update Resolves Steering Wheel Issue While Introducing New Bugs

Google has officially launched Android Auto 16.1, marking a significant update aimed at enhancing user experience. While the update has successfully addressed a troublesome bug related to steering wheel controls, it appears to have brought along a host of new issues, leaving some users frustrated. This article delves into the changes brought by this latest update, including the newly emerging bugs that have caught users' attention.

With the rollout of Android Auto 16.1, many users reported that the functionality of their steering wheel controls was restored. This problem had emerged with the previous version, Android Auto 16.0, which had introduced a new Material 3 Expressive design that inadvertently disabled these controls for many. Users welcomed the fix in 16.1, although it meant reverting to the previous app design as the new aesthetic was not fully ready.

What's Been Fixed and What’s New?

While the steering wheel issue seems to be remedied, users have reported encountering new glitches post-update. Specifically, a peculiar problem within the navigation system has arisen, where the icon indicating a user’s position on the map has vanished. This issue appears to stem from switching between different applications within Android Auto.

Another reported issue includes the "Gemini Live loop bug," where the voice assistant starts to respond but then interrupts itself mid-prompt, creating confusion for users trying to get answers.

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Have You Experienced These Android Auto Issues?

No, Android Auto is working fine for me
Yes, no navigation arrow
Yes, the Gemini Live bug
Yes, the steering wheel controls issue
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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Android Auto?

The journey doesn't end with the latest updates. Reports from the team at 9to5Google highlight that Google continues to work on integrating controls for vehicle features such as the A/C system and radio stations into Android Auto. This integration process has been ongoing, but no stable version has yet been released.

Google is working on A/C and radio station controls in Android Auto.

Additionally, there's a potential new feature on the horizon: the ability to cast media directly to cars. Code entries concerning Google Cast were found in recent beta versions, hinting at this capability's eventual inclusion in Android Auto. Given that Android Automotive already supports casting, its integration into Android Auto seems like a logical progression, although a release date remains uncertain.