Google has announced a redesign of the Google Play app store for cars equipped with built-in Google systems, alongside the rollout of new apps for parked drivers, including the Firefox browser. The new update will arrive automatically over the coming weeks to more than 100 car models from 16 brands.
Comprehensive redesign of the app store in cars with built-in Google systems
An interface that adapts to display screens and the difference from Android Auto
Addition of the Firefox browser and audio-only feature in the YouTube app
Turning parked cars into entertainment platforms and integrating the Gemini assistant
FAQs
Comprehensive redesign of the app store in cars with built-in Google systems
Google is redesigning the Google Play app store dedicated to cars equipped with “Google built-in.” The company announced this update on Tuesday, October 13, alongside the rollout of several new applications aimed at drivers while the car is stopped and parked, which are the Firefox browser, the Starz platform, the Ludo King game, and the JioHotstar app.
The store in its new look will reach supported vehicles over the next few weeks, installing itself automatically without requiring drivers to take any manual action.
These changes aim to facilitate the process of searching for and installing apps directly from the car’s dashboard screen. “Google built-in” is currently available in more than 100 car models from 16 global brands, and the store offers more than 700 apps tailored for cars.
An interface that adapts to display screens and the difference from Android Auto
The store’s new home page will display the most popular and recently added apps, and drivers will be able to install any app with just a single tap. Google calls the new menu “simplified navigation,” placing app sections, games, search, and more along the left side of the screen, or at the top of the screen in displays where the height is greater than the width.
The curated collections displayed will change automatically depending on whether the car is in motion or parked, and the layout also programmatically adapts to the size, orientation, and shape of each car’s display screen.
“Google built-in” differs fundamentally from “Android Auto”; while Android Auto operates via a smartphone connected to the car, Google built-in operates directly on the hardware and processors of the car itself, meaning automakers must install it at the factory. Google first brought this software to the Polestar 2, later adding it to the Honda Accord Touring model in 2023.
Addition of the Firefox browser and audio-only feature in the YouTube app
Among the newly announced apps, the Firefox browser captured the lion’s share of attention, with the Mozilla-backed browser joining the Chrome and Vivaldi browsers that were already available on the platform, according to Autoevolution.
Google also announced that YouTube videos can be played and watched on the dashboard screen as long as the car is parked. Once the car’s gear selector shifts into drive, the video automatically switches to audio-only mode to ensure driver safety. This feature requires an active YouTube Premium subscription, noting that the audio-only mode was previously announced for Android Auto, and YouTube is the first app to support this feature in cars with Google built-in.
Google stated that it is currently working with major automakers including Mazda, Honda, Polestar, BYD, and Volvo, alongside media and audio companies such as Audible, Pandora, SiriusXM, and Amazon Music to develop similar features.
Turning parked cars into entertainment platforms and integrating the Gemini assistant
This announcement follows other moves by the company to bring more in-cabin apps; in late September, Google opened the car gaming category to all developers, provided that games are playable only while the car is completely stopped.
Google recently replaced the traditional Google Assistant with its Gemini AI assistant in vehicles from Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Volvo, and others. Additionally, the redesigned 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks run on Google built-in within a new interface.
Google did not specify an exact timeline for the availability of each new app, while Autoevolution noted that the apps could arrive as soon as the new store launches, adding with a conservative expression: “I won’t hold my breath waiting for a fast rollout.”
FAQs
Question: What new apps has Google added for parked cars?
Answer: The company added the Firefox browser, Starz platform, Ludo King game, and JioHotstar app, joining Firefox with the previously available Chrome and Vivaldi browsers.
Question: What is the difference between Google built-in and Android Auto?
Answer: Android Auto works through a smartphone connected to the car, whereas Google built-in operates directly on the car’s own hardware and is installed at the factory.
Question: How does the new YouTube feature work when driving starts?
Answer: YouTube videos can be watched on the screen while the car is parked, and upon shifting to drive mode, the video automatically switches to audio-only for YouTube Premium subscribers.
Question: How many car models and supported apps are there in Google built-in?
Answer: The system is currently available in over 100 car models from 16 brands, and the store features more than 700 apps dedicated to cars.
