Google Play for cars brings Firefox, background playback for YouTube and more

Google has cooked up a new update to improve the Android Automotive experience – the update brings a redesigned interface and support for new apps including the Firefox browser, plus multiple entertainment apps.

With this update, you will be able to browse the web using Firefox (Chrome and Vivaldi are also available). You will also be able to stream shows on the Starz and JioHotstar apps or play Ludo King.

This only works while you’re parked, of course. Related to that is a tweak to how YouTube works – it can play full videos while you’re parked and it will shift to audio-only background play when you put the car in drive. This is perfect for videos that are basically podcasts anyway.

For car apps, this is very important – are you parked or are you driving? The updated Google Play Store will sort apps into categories, including apps you use while parked or while driving. The store also will show featured apps, new apps and other helpful details to make finding useful new apps easier.

The Google Play Store now has over 700 apps for Android Automotive. Note that this is the OS that runs on your car’s computer and not the similarly-named Android Auto, which runs on your phone.

To support the future growth of the platform, Google has partnered with several car makers – now including Mazda, Honda, BYD, Polestar and Volvo – and media companies like Audible, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Gaana and The Post.

Overall, cars with Google built-in (which seems to be Google’s preferred and less confusing term for cars with Android Automotive) are made by 16 brands and span over 100 models.

This includes GM and the new 2027 generation of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500. As you may know, GM ditched Android Auto, but it does use Android Automotive.

PS. Earlier this year, Google announced that it will be open-sourcing Android Automotive.

The updated Google Play experience for cars will start rolling out over the coming weeks. It will automatically update on your car's display.

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