Android Auto UI design

[HSuke]

I've been using BeyondPod (paid version) for years and really enjoy it.

Unfortunately, the Android Auto UI has some issues

• In order to play a category, I have to press the Menu -> Categories -> <specific category>. This isn't a problem in itself, but the menu buttons are tiny. When the car is moving around, it's really hard pressing those buttons (as a passenger, of course). My car LCD screen isn't that sensitive to precision. It would be great if you could make the menu buttons bigger. What would be even better is if there are giant buttons in the middle of the app.
• I would like an option to start playing through all downloaded episodes.
• I would like an option to play through the current playlist.
• I would like an option to update all feeds.

Thanks.

I'm also willing to beta test any new Android Auto features.

[juwlz]

Unfortunately, Android Auto gives developers almost no control about how things are displayed (and in fact, very much restricts what an app is allowed to do).

You may find this thread helpful on what you can and can't override.

Any new Android Auto beta features can be accessed by signing up for beta versions of BeyondPod. Note that these have to be installed from the Play Store, as Android Auto does not support side-loaded apps.

HTH
Julie

[HSuke]

I was afraid that was an Android Auto limitation.

In that case, I suppose the best we can do is hope that AA 2.0 provides devs more freedom.

Thanks anyways.

[juwlz]

I think that's unlikely. One of the design staples about Android Auto was to give a consistent interface whatever app you're using. They don't WANT developers to have much freedom at all.

Julie