Android Auto 9.3 beta update is now rolling out with a new starting app feature

Google seems to introduce new features to Android Auto with every update release. The latest rollout comes with a much-anticipated addition to allow users to choose apps they wish to load when Android Auto launches.

The new Starting App feature is designed to enable users to configure the app they want to load at the launch of Android Auto. By default, Google Maps automatically loads when the app launches. However, with the new addition, users can choose to add other navigation apps like Waze. 

Additionally, if no navigation app is enabled on the starting app option, Android Auto starts the default launcher. It is preferred by users who don’t need Android Auto for navigation but rather to handle phone calls and music. Interestingly, the media widget has seen a new design.

With Android Auto 9.3 beta update, Google revamped the media widget introducing a new pause taskbar to allow more flexibility using the app. Aside from the new features, there have been bug fixes and improvements.

Meanwhile, Google needs to improve the functionality of the Starting App. According to a report, the new addition isn’t working as it doesn’t do anything. Perhaps, Google is still testing or has enabled it only for limited users like the CoolWalk redesign. Hopefully, the next release will activate the full functionality of the new feature.

Download the Android Auto 9.3 beta update

As usual, the update is exclusive to beta testers. It’s available on Google Play Store, or you can download it via the Telegram channel. Also, the APK mirror website is another place to grab the file.