Just as Google IO tickets for the 2017 event are about to go on sale, we are starting to see the possibility of one announcement from last year coming to fruition — Waze on Android Auto.
We have seen OK Google hot-word detection, and the standalone Android Auto ability arrive, but have not seen any of the other big Android Auto additions announced at Google IO 2016. Waze support, Wi-Fi projection (wireless Android Auto), OEM apps. All vapourware at this stage. We have seen lines of code added to the Android Auto app suggesting they are being worked on, but they are yet to see the light of day.
Late last year, the developer of the Waze app tweeted that Android Auto was on the way for Q1 this year. A recent update to the Android Auto app has opened up a selection menu in the maps section of Android Auto. We were alerted to it by one of our readers, Darryn, who emailed us the tip (thank you Darryn, and everyone else we LOVE tips — send them in).
Upon checking it seems that yes the maps shortcut on Android Auto does indeed have an app switcher, just as the media shortcut does:
Obviously Google will be giving users an option here soon (hopefully) and will give the option to choose most likely Waze to use as the mapping app rather than Google Maps. Hopefully we will also see the other IO 2016 announcements arrive in the near future.
Does anyone here use Waze? Convince me why I should, having never used it. Will it be more useful than Google Maps on Android Auto? Do you have Android Auto? Will you be using Waze with it?
