Cars with Google built-in, available across 16 brands and more than 100 models, bring apps such as Google Maps and Gemini to the dashboard without a phone. Google is now adding a redesigned Google Play experience, new entertainment apps, and parked-to-drive media features, all aimed at making the time you spend in the car more useful whether you're driving or parked.
A Redesigned App Store for the Dashboard
Each car's app library includes more than 700 apps. Google is introducing a redesigned Google Play experience to make those apps easier to find and use from the car. The Google Play homepage now shows featured apps, what's new, and helpful details, and you can download an app with a single tap.
Navigation has been streamlined, and curated collections help drivers discover and compare apps for audio, video, gaming, and more at a glance. The collections are tailored for whether the car is driving or parked. Because every cabin is different, the new layout adapts dynamically to the exact shape, orientation, and size of each vehicle's display.
New Apps and Richer Media Features
New apps are arriving on Google Play for cars with Google built-in: STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar. They give passengers and parked drivers more ways to stream shows, play games, or browse the web.
Google is also adding media features that bridge parked time and driving. Starting with YouTube, you can watch videos on the dashboard while parked, then keep listening with background audio uninterrupted the moment you shift into drive.
Google says it will keep building in-car media experiences with automakers Mazda, Honda, Polestar, BYD, and Volvo, and with media developers including Audible, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Gaana, and The Post.
Key Features at a Glance
- Redesigned Google Play homepage: Featured apps, what's new, and app details appear on one screen – so you can find apps faster.
- One-tap downloads: Apps download from Google Play with a single tap – no phone needed.
- Curated collections: Audio, video, gaming, and more are grouped for driving or parked use – so comparing apps takes less effort.
- Adaptive layout: The interface adjusts to each display's shape, orientation, and size – so it fits every vehicle's cabin.
- Parked YouTube video: Videos play on the dashboard while parked – so passengers can watch during stops.
- Background audio on shift into drive: Audio continues uninterrupted when you start driving – so media doesn't cut out mid-trip.
- New entertainment apps: STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar are arriving – so there are more ways to stream, game, or browse while parked.
Availability
The updated Google Play experience will begin rolling out over the coming weeks and will update automatically on your vehicle's display. The changes extend across cars with Google built-in, including GM vehicles such as the next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, which have expansive center displays. The article does not state pricing.
