Google has introduced a new UI for Assistant on Android Auto that pops up during voice interactions, and it bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Siri.
In a recent update, Android Auto now features this new Assistant interface. It’s different from the usual UI that appears at the bottom of the screen for initial commands. Instead, this new design shows up when Google Assistant is waiting for your response.
In the screenshot below, we asked Google Assistant to find a nearby post office, and the new UI appeared when Assistant asked for which location I wanted to navigate to. It reacts when the Assistant speaks and during my reply, and then goes away when the reply is processed.
It feels just a little reiterative when Google could just keep using the bottom bar, but it’s still a nice design.
That said, it is a little hard to ignore the elephant in the room, which is that this is exactly how Apple shows Siri on CarPlay.
It’s unclear how widely this new UI has been rolled out, but we’re seeing it on Android Auto v12.5 with a Galaxy Z Fold 6.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a mobile app from Google that brings your smartphone’s features to your car’s dashboard. When you connect an Android device to your car’s head unit, it mirrors apps on the vehicle’s display, including GPS navigation, music, SMS, phone calls, and web search. It works with both touchscreen and button-controlled head units, and hands-free operation via voice commands is encouraged to keep driving safe and distraction-free.
Part of the Open Automotive Alliance, Android Auto is backed by 28 car manufacturers and Nvidia, and it’s available in 36 countries.
