Android Auto users can now browse through full contact lists when stationary
Image: Google via AFP Relaxnews
Android Auto, the app that turns a recently purchased car dashboard into a simple and familiar interface, is slowly growing its list of features. This time it’s gifting its users with yet another way to call someone from their address book: by manually scrolling through their contact list.
While it may sound like a feature that should have already existed, Google could have limited its browsing options to keep driver’s eyes on the road. Before this update, Android Auto users had three ways of making phone calls.
“OK Google, call Mom.” Straightforward and effective, voice assistance is probably the safest way to multitask while behind the wheel. Then there’s the option to select numbers from a list of favorites, or recently placed, received or missed calls. Lastly, manually dialing the number.
By clicking on the hamburger menu in the top-left corner, a new option called “Contacts” appears, where users can scroll down to view their full address book, just like on a smartphone. Sound dangerous? Not to worry, Google has only given unrestricted browsing access while the vehicle is stopped. When in motion, only a few taps will be possible, hopefully ensuring that the driver isn’t distracted for very long.
The announcement, made by Google’s product manager from the Android Auto team in the companies product forum, stated that the feature was already launched and encouraged any feedback.
“Give it a try,” read the post. “[A]nd if you have any feedback, please don’t hesitate to post it here; we’d love to know what you think works well [versus] what still needs some more refinement.” JB
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