This week marks the release of a new Android Auto update, version 12.9, available for download in its beta form. If you’re already part of the beta program on Google Play, the update will automatically install on your device without requiring any additional steps.
Android Auto continues its journey towards version 13.0, with this latest update providing a glimpse of what’s to come. As usual, the beta version of Android Auto 12.9 has been tested. And while it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking features, there is an interesting modification within Google Maps worth noting, as reported by Xatakandroid.
Android Auto 12.9 Beta: Streamlined Navigation and More!
What’s New in Android Auto 12.9 Beta?
Just a week after the release of Android Auto 12.8 for all users, the beta of version 12.9 is now available for those who want to stay ahead of the curve. However, it appears that the two much-anticipated features—Gemini Live and the revamped music player—are still absent in this update. Hunts of these functionalities were available in earlier reports. But they haven’t yet made their way to the beta version.
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That said, one notable change is in Google Maps, where a new, more user-friendly feature has been introduced. When you select a destination, you’re now having the option to add it as a stop on your route, instead of launching straight into navigation. Previously, users could create routes with multiple stops in Android Auto’s Google Maps. But the process was cumbersome and not widely known. The inclusion of an easily accessible “Add Stop” button simplifies this process significantly. Making route planning much smoother and less frustrating.
While no other significant new features have been detected in this beta release, it’s worth noting that Android Auto updates often bring changes that are enabled later through server-side updates. This means that more features could be activate in the future, even after the initial beta release.
As for general improvements, it’s reasonable to assume that this update includes performance tweaks and bug fixes, although we do not know specific details yet.
How to Try Android Auto 12.9 Beta
If you’re eager to try Android Auto 12.9, you can get it now through the Google Play beta program. For those not in the beta program, an alternative option is to download the APK from trusted sources like APKMirror.
In summary, Android Auto 12.9 may not introduce the headline features users are waiting for. But it does improve navigation usability through Google Maps, offering a smoother, more streamlined experience when planning multi-stop routes.
