C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Android Auto version 13.4 rolls out a refreshed media player UI.
- This update brings smaller album art, rearranged buttons, and a relocated progress bar.
- A new font completes the makeover, adding a polished look to the updated interface.
Android Auto users are about to experience a notable shake-up in their in-car listening experience. Google has started rolling out a refreshed media player as part of Android Auto version 13.4, marking one of the biggest interface changes for the platform since its major overhaul last year. First spotted by 9to5Googlemany Android Auto users are starting to see this new design now.
One of the first things you’ll notice in the updated player is the smaller album art, which has been moved to the left. In the previous design, the media progress bar was under the cover art. Now it’s parked on the right side of the album cover.
From the screenshot above, it also appears that the text size has been reduced slightly and the player buttons now span the full width of the screen. The update also introduces a new font. Overall, this new look definitely seems cleaner than the previous one, although it might also look a little too plain with so much empty space.
Although the screenshot depicts Spotify’s media player UI, it’s fair to assume that the same UI changes will also apply to other streaming apps like YouTube Music and Apple Music , because all streaming apps on Android Auto share a consistent user interface.
9to5Google also speculates that this redesign could lay the groundwork for Google’s “Car Media” feature, which could allow Android Auto to manage local automotive media, including radio stations. For now, though, if you’re running Android Auto 13.4, keep an eye out for this new look.
