Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Google doesn't talk much about Android Auto these days, but it doesn't mean it's no longer working on improving the experience with the app.
The frequent updates shipped in the beta and stable channels are proof that Google's mission is to refine Android Auto, and while these new builds don't include breaking changes, they still help polish the app's stability and reliability.
This seems to also be the purpose of Android Auto 12.3 beta.
The first testing build in the Android Auto 12.3 branch is now live for registered beta users, as Google has kicked off the testing of another version. The goal is to give users a few days of testing before it starts the production rollout, therefore finding bugs in an early phase.
Android Auto 12.3 beta (full build is 12.3.1426) comes without a changelog, but this is hardly a surprise. Google has turned not sharing updated changelogs into a hobby, leaving us with no option but to install every build and dissect it as we look for changes.
While Android Auto 12.3 beta is aimed at users enrolled in the beta program, everybody can download the new build today if they don't want to wait for Google to begin the rollout in the stable channel – this typically takes a few days, so if no major bug is discovered, Android Auto 12.3 should become available for everybody next week.
The trick is to use the stand-alone APK installer that allows users to sideload any Android app on their mobile devices. Download Android Auto 12.3 beta on your device, browse to its location, and tap the APK installer to begin the update. If this is the first time you sideload an app, you should see a prompt requesting special permissions, as Android is not configured by default to allow the installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
The update process takes only a few seconds, and when you're done, you should be running Android Auto 12.3.
However, you must remember that this build is specifically aimed at beta testers, meaning that it comes with an increased likelihood of glitches. The beta program involves testing pre-release builds and sending feedback to the search giant, therefore helping the company improve the experience with the app and fix major bugs before they hit a bigger number of users.
Android Auto beta builds shouldn't be used as your daily driver, as they could hit major glitches that break down features like navigation when you need them the most.
If you install this new build and spot a significant change, please let us know in the comment box so that we can all determine whether updating Android Auto before the production build surfaces is worth it.
This seems to also be the purpose of Android Auto 12.3 beta.
The first testing build in the Android Auto 12.3 branch is now live for registered beta users, as Google has kicked off the testing of another version. The goal is to give users a few days of testing before it starts the production rollout, therefore finding bugs in an early phase.
Android Auto 12.3 beta (full build is 12.3.1426) comes without a changelog, but this is hardly a surprise. Google has turned not sharing updated changelogs into a hobby, leaving us with no option but to install every build and dissect it as we look for changes.
While Android Auto 12.3 beta is aimed at users enrolled in the beta program, everybody can download the new build today if they don't want to wait for Google to begin the rollout in the stable channel – this typically takes a few days, so if no major bug is discovered, Android Auto 12.3 should become available for everybody next week.
The trick is to use the stand-alone APK installer that allows users to sideload any Android app on their mobile devices. Download Android Auto 12.3 beta on your device, browse to its location, and tap the APK installer to begin the update. If this is the first time you sideload an app, you should see a prompt requesting special permissions, as Android is not configured by default to allow the installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
The update process takes only a few seconds, and when you're done, you should be running Android Auto 12.3.
However, you must remember that this build is specifically aimed at beta testers, meaning that it comes with an increased likelihood of glitches. The beta program involves testing pre-release builds and sending feedback to the search giant, therefore helping the company improve the experience with the app and fix major bugs before they hit a bigger number of users.
Android Auto beta builds shouldn't be used as your daily driver, as they could hit major glitches that break down features like navigation when you need them the most.
If you install this new build and spot a significant change, please let us know in the comment box so that we can all determine whether updating Android Auto before the production build surfaces is worth it.
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