Small novelty identified in recent days in Android Auto: a discreet button to leave the Google interface and return directly to the home system home screen. The idea is simple: rather than looking for the return icon in the application drawer, a simple TAP on this new button at the top of the screen allows you to switch to the native vehicle system.
A hidden but useful shortcut
This is particularly useful in some cars, especially at Toyota or Lexus, which do not offer a physical button or touch -up option to outstanding Android Auto. So far, drivers had to search the Android Auto menu, which is neither fast nor very practical when you are driving.
The new button is housed at the top right of the screen, next to the time and battery. He does not jump out, and his icon – an arrow down – ready to confuse. You might think that it opens a drop -down menu, while it actually brings you back to the car interface. In short, a small retouching of the visual would not be too much.
The catch is that this button is not displayed at everyone. Several users on Reddit reported his presence – then his disappearance – on models of all kinds, such as some Toyota, Hyundai or Lexus. For others, nothing at all, despite an up -to -date Android and a recent smartphone. A user says he saw him for a month on his Hyundai, before he disappeared. Another, with a Galaxy S22 Ultra and Android Auto 14.1, sees nothing at all. In short, it is lucky luck.
It would seem that Google activates this button at a distance, without warning, via a change on the server side. No official announcement has been made, and the Android Auto assistance page remains silent on the subject. Result: a very uneven experience, which rages certain private users of this very practical function.
Another consequence: the button has taken the place of the weather display, which some hoped to see returning from the overhaul of the interface. Google had promised to rework this display, but in the meantime, the space was occupied by this new shortcut. Not sure that the weather is back as soon as possible.
In the end, a simple function that is debated, especially when it is not there for everyone. Maybe Google will say more at its conference I/O in May.
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