New app cards bring handy info to your car’s home screen

Google’s Android Automotive, the system powering many car infotainment screens, just got a cool upgrade called App Cards. These cards let apps show important details right on your car’s home screen, making it easier to stay updated without digging through menus. For example, you could see the status of your food delivery or check other quick info, all at a glance.

App Cards are designed to be simple and safe. Carmakers control how they look, so they blend with your car’s style, while app developers just provide the info, like text, a button, or a progress bar. This keeps things tidy and ensures the cards don’t distract you while driving.

However, space is limited, so only the most useful details make it onto the card. It’s not clear yet if you’ll need the latest Android Automotive version, based on Android 16, to use App Cards. Google might also add rules later through Play Store policies to keep things consistent.

Developers are excited about this feature, as it could make their apps stand out in cars by offering a more tailored experience. This update could push more apps to be fully optimized for cars, creating a smoother and safer way to use them on the road. App Cards are a small but smart step to make your car’s screen more helpful.