Vehicles with Android Automotive will soon receive many more apps.

Google plans to launch its Android Automotive app conversion program in February, designed to assist developers in adapting their Android applications for vehicle displays. According to reports, the "car-ready mobile app program" guides developers to make small modifications to their apps to make them accessible through the Google Play Store on the car's dashboard.

Initially, the company is interested in streaming entertainment apps, games, and browsers, emphasizing the need for compatibility with x86 processors, given that many vehicles still do not use Arm chips. However, there is a compatibility mode option that allows numerous applications to function on Android Automotive without needing to fully comply with all established guidelines. Google indicated that a simpler approval process for automotive apps would be established during its I/O 2024 developer conference last May.

There is already a growing number of apps available in the Google Play Store on some vehicles with Android Automotive, such as the Lincoln Nautilus, which was reviewed in September. This model includes games like Angry Birds, streaming apps like Max and Crunchy Roll, as well as meeting tools like WebEx, which operate similarly to their Android tablet versions. However, the selection of apps is still limited, with a predominance of driving-related apps like Waze and A Better Route Planner. In February, a significant increase in the number of available apps in vehicles is anticipated.