Android Auto is set to introduce a new visual element, a wavy progress bar for music applications like Spotify and YouTube Music, enhancing the user experience. This update, linked to Google's Material 3 Expressive design standards, will appear across all interface screens, including minimized views during navigation.
However, not all changes are well-received. The redesign will also alter the arrangement of audio controls, moving the Pause/Play button to the left, the Previous button to the center, and the Skip/Next button to the right. This shift may frustrate users accustomed to the previous layout, as many have developed muscle memory for these controls.
While the updated progress bar is anticipated positively, the rearranged buttons have prompted concerns. Although similar changes were noticed earlier this year, uncertainty remains about the official rollout date for these modifications, as they currently require manual activation.