Android 15 brings new features to Android Automotive: dock, bluetooth upgrades, and cross-device notifications

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Android 15 introduces a new home screen dock and enhanced Bluetooth capabilities for Android Automotive.
2. Notifications may soon sync across multiple Android devices, according to code found in the latest beta.
3. Improved audio controls and better support for multi-camera and radio systems are part of this update.

Android 15 for Android Automotive Adds New Features

With the release of Android 15, Google has also updated its Android Automotive platform, bringing several useful new features to vehicles. While Google hasn’t officially provided all the details, some key improvements have already been spotted.

New Features in Android Automotive
Android Automotive is different from Android Auto. Instead of connecting to your phone, it’s a version of Android that runs directly on a vehicle’s dashboard, powering the whole in-car experience. In Android 15, one of the biggest updates is the addition of a home screen dock, much like the one seen on Android Auto and tablets. This dock lets you “pin” your favorite apps for quick access, which will be helpful for drivers who want fast access to certain controls or apps.

Another feature coming to Android Automotive is an improved lock screen and a new “Ambient View” option that displays a screensaver when the system is idle.

Bluetooth and Audio Upgrades
Android 15 also brings enhancements for audio, including a new option to route sound to external Bluetooth devices like earbuds or headphones. This will give users more control over how they listen to media or calls in the car. Additionally, the update offers full support for HD and DAB radio, giving manufacturers more options to improve in-car audio quality.

Syncing Notifications Across Devices
In addition to improvements for cars, Android 15 may soon solve a common issue for people with multiple Android devices: unsynced notifications. A new “sync across devices” feature was spotted in the latest beta, suggesting that Google is working on a way to keep notifications synchronized between phones and tablets. If this feature rolls out, dismissing a notification on your phone would automatically clear it from your tablet, eliminating the need to manage duplicate notifications.

Although it’s unclear if this feature will be available on all Android devices or just Google Pixel phones, it’s promising to see Google working on features that help Android users manage their devices more smoothly.

What This Means for Android Users
This update continues Google’s long-term goal of creating a connected Android ecosystem. By improving how Android devices and services work together, Google is aiming to make life easier for users, no matter what type of device they use. Android 15’s improvements for Android Automotive, Bluetooth, and cross-device functionality are a step in that direction, and more features are expected to follow.