Google has announced a new HD version of its Maps service for cars with Android Automotive operating system. New HD maps will provide more detailed road markings, lane-level localization, road barriers and markings. Firstly Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 models, the feature will take advantage of the vehicles’ lidar, radar and camera sensors to provide a safer driving experience.
Volvo’s demo of HD maps shows that users will get a detailed model of their vehicle on the screen that mimics all the actions taken by the driver. HD maps will only be available for vehicles using Google Automotive Services.
HD maps will work with Volvo’s Pilot Assist feature and other automakers’ future autonomous driving platforms to provide the best driving experience in assisted and autonomous vehicles. Volvo and Polestar vehicles also gain remote check-in via Google smart home devices. Users will be able to ask Google Assistant to warm up their car, check battery percentage, and all sorts of other useful features. The remote check-in feature will be launched in the US and will be available in other markets later this year. Google also announced that the new Waze app for Android Automotive is now available. Renault Austral Hybrid and Megane E-Tech announced that it can be used in cars.
In related news, Google announced that the redesigned split-screen Android Auto view is now officially available to users. The new skin, Android Auto, was previously limited to beta testers since November.
The new Android Auto UI prioritizes split-screen apps for navigation and content playback so you don’t have to constantly switch between apps while driving. Some cars support up to three simultaneous app pods, while others only get two apps side-by-side. Google Assistant, notifications, and your app library are all easily accessible from the dock.