Google has brought climate control features to its Android Auto platform, providing a preview of the functionality with a recent beta release. The update allows users to access temperature settings, defrost options, fan speed controls, and heated/ventilated seat adjustments along the bottom bar of the UI.
When enabled, the interface adjusts to accommodate more prominent display elements, such as moving the Assistant/Gemini mic icon and app drawer icons to the center of the screen. The time, battery, and LTE indicators also move to the top of the screen.
A notable feature is the inclusion of a “sync” option for vehicles with independent climate controls for driver and passenger seats. This functionality aims to simplify climate control on touchscreen devices commonly used in cars, which often reserve space specifically for these settings.
However, the integration details remain unclear due to Android Auto’s limited access to the vehicle’s systems. A forthcoming announcement from Google is expected to provide more information on how this feature will be utilized.
The introduction of climate controls in Android Auto raises questions about its potential user base and adoption. While some users might appreciate this additional feature, others may view it as unnecessary. The exact impact of this update remains to be seen, pending further updates and announcements from Google.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2025/04/29/android-auto-climate-controls-preview