YouTube is lastly on Android Auto, however there are some massive limitations

It is no secret that Android Auto makes driving much more handy by mirroring your telephone to your automobile’s infotainment show, permitting you to make use of tons of apps safely whereas driving.

In fact, as a result of driving calls for your full consideration, Android Auto comes with loads of security restrictions, and one of many greatest is that it does not assist video playback. That is why there are nonetheless some apps that do not assist Android Auto, with YouTube being one of many greatest holdouts for years now. Not too long ago, although, that is began to alter.

YouTube has quietly began rolling out assist for Android Auto, however not fairly in the way in which you would possibly count on. The assist was first noticed by customers on Reddit and now seems to be rolling out extra extensively (by way of 9to5Google), however YouTube’s Android Auto function set is extraordinarily restricted.

For now, the app solely works with Android Auto’s media controls and solely helps audio playback. This implies when you’re taking part in a video in your telephone, you may pause, resume, or skip to the following video immediately from the Android Auto house display whereas listening.

It is undeniably helpful when you’re listening to one thing like a podcast or the information whereas driving — however certainly one of YouTube’s greatest options is lacking.

Video playback is just not supported

You additionally want YouTube Premium

The largest limitation of YouTube’s Android Auto assist is that it does not assist video playback. You may technically play any video you need on YouTube, and take heed to it simply fantastic via Android Auto, however completely no video will seem in your automobile’s infotainment display, solely the brand new media controls I discussed earlier.

In fact, this is sensible for security causes, as it will be extraordinarily harmful if Android Auto began taking part in YouTube movies on folks’s automobile screens whereas they’re driving.

It is also value noting that YouTube’s Android Auto media controls solely work in case you have a YouTube Premium subscription, since background play — the function that allows you to play movies whereas your display is off — requires having a Premium subscription. Nevertheless, background play was lately added to YouTube Premium Lite, so that you now not should pay for the dearer Premium tier to entry it.

So, when you take pleasure in utilizing YouTube as one thing to take heed to whereas driving, having media controls proper on the Android Auto house display makes issues a lot safer. Plus, it is also useful for movies that are not obtainable on YouTube Music, which already has its personal devoted Android Auto app.

One factor I do hope to see sooner or later, although, is assist for video playback whereas your automobile is parked. Rightfully so, video will probably by no means be allowed whereas the automobile is in movement resulting from security dangers and state legal guidelines. However while you’re parked, it will be good to observe one thing, whether or not you are consuming, ready to choose somebody up, or charging your automobile.

At Google I/O final 12 months, Google said video assist could be “coming quickly” to Android Auto, although it’s going to be restricted to “appropriate automobiles.” So when it does arrive — probably via apps like YouTube — it’s going to be restricted to pick automobiles, and virtually definitely solely work when the automobile is parked.