A new app experience is coming to cars with Google built-in
Google is rolling out dashboard updates for cars with its built-in software, including a redesigned Play store and new apps like STARZ and Firefox, alongside a parked-to-drive media feature.
Google announced upgrades to the app experience for vehicles equipped with its built-in software, starting with a redesigned Google Play store optimized for dashboard displays. The update aims to simplify browsing and downloading games, movies, and music directly from the car’s screen. New entertainment apps, including STARZ and Firefox, will also become available, expanding the library beyond existing options like Google Maps and Gemini.
A new parked-to-drive feature allows users to continue listening to video audio when shifting from park to drive, bridging entertainment between stationary and driving states. This capability will initially launch with YouTube, requiring a YouTube Premium subscription, and will roll out automatically over the coming weeks. The feature is designed to enhance convenience during short stops or EV charging sessions.
The updates will be available across cars with Google built-in, spanning 16 brands and over 100 models, including models from GM like the next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. Automakers such as Mazda, Honda, Polestar, BYD, and Volvo are collaborating on these improvements, alongside media developers like Audible, Pandora, and SiriusXM.
The redesigned Google Play experience and new apps will roll out automatically to eligible vehicles in the coming weeks, with no manual action required from users. The updates include richer in-car media features and aim to make every trip more intuitive, whether parked or driving. Users can expect seamless transitions between entertainment and navigation apps like Google Maps and Gemini.