Latest news with #AndroidAuto
Android Authority
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Android Authority
This simple Android Auto change would set my voice command frustrations to rest
Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority When I hop into my car, there is a list of checklist items I absentmindedly tick off. One is reaching for my cheap Android Auto dongle in my glovebox and plugging it in. Google's in-car phone mirroring service has become essential to my car trips, as much as fuel, a seat belt, and a steering wheel. However, unlike driving, operating Android Auto is often challenging, especially when using voice commands. I've had so many issues with Android Auto's voice assistants that I'm just about ready to give up on the feature entirely. This problem, as is the case so often, could easily be solved with a small tweak from Google. Instead of making its product the exclusive in-car assistant, I'd like to see the choice given to the consumer. As Android users can now select their default voice assistant of choice, this feature on Android Auto would put to bed my frustrations. Do you have problems using Android Auto's voice controls? 0 votes Yes, the service often mishears or misunderstands me. NaN % Yes, it mostly understands my requests, but it takes ages to action them. NaN % No, Android Auto's voice controls have never given me problems. NaN % 'Sorry, I don't understand' Andy Walker / Android Authority I'm not the only Android Auto user facing voice command problems, either. I've seen many forum posts from disgruntled users detailing their frustrations, with many highlighting its inability to understand and execute simple commands. It's a curious issue, too. Assistant (now Gemini) works well on my phones, but when I'm in the car, the service becomes dumber than lead. Even when it encounters a recognizable command, I wait fleeting seconds for a reciprocating action. Voice assistants are supposed to keep drivers focused on the road with both hands on the wheel, but I've found their ponderous behavior distracting and frustrating. It's not like I'm asking for instructions on how to build a rocket, either. Generally, my commands involve selecting a playlist or artist on Spotify, navigating to the nearest fuel stop, or responding to a WhatsApp message — still, the feature stutters and stumbles. Android Auto never seems to understand my commands, and when it does it takes ages to execute them. Often, the problem is a simple misinterpretation of a command. 'Play 2021 hits on Spotify,' I'll bark, seeking the actual playlist titled '2021 hits,' but the assistant will instead play songs from 2021. Dare I navigate to a restaurant, road, or town with a complex or non-English name, or not pronounce words like I'm at a grade school spelling bee. In the image above, I had to type out Ou Meul, because saying 'Ow Mule Doo Toights Kloof' phonetically didn't work either. I should mention that I haven't yet received the Gemini on Android Auto update, but I doubt this would solve my problems. I have the next-generation assistant on Wear OS, and it's as sluggish and simple-minded as Assistant was. I fear that nothing will change when it comes to my car. Multiple assistants for multiple tasks Joe Maring / Android Authority There's no way to select an alternative voice assistant in Android Auto. It's Gemini, Assistant, or the highway. This is a particularly odd omission given Google's willingness to offer third-party platforms on Android. I can opt for ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Perplexity on my Android phone. Since Auto is largely a mirror of my device, why isn't this option available on it too? While the issue may not lie with the voice assistants themselves, I'd still like to verify this myself. In preparation for another feature I'm penning, I've been using Bixby instead of Gemini on my Samsung phone, and it's been a markedly positive experience. The once maligned voice assistant is now adept, seamlessly adjusting, opening, and tweaking things on my phone. It also responds far swifter than Gemini, whether I ask for the weather or demand a follow-up response to an ongoing conversation. Notably, Bixby is capable of opening and commanding apps that are compatible with Android Auto. This includes Fuelio, my car's logbook app, Google Maps, and Spotify. Asking it to navigate to a specific town opens Maps and plugs in the destination, while requesting a specific playlist on Spotify does just that. Yes, there are some things Bixby doesn't work well for either. It, too, is tripped up by non-English names and even common names, but I do feel more confident in its ability to pinpoint the intention of my voice commands. Using Bixby with Android Auto is an option I want to have in my car. I'd love access to more voice assistants on Android Auto, beyond Assistant or Gemini. Let's take this a step further. I wouldn't mind using specific voice assistants for particular tasks. Sure, if Google wants me to use Assistant or Gemini to navigate or control apps in my car, it could at least offer secondary options for querying information. If I'm driving through a new town, I'd like to ask Perplexity about its history or significant events. Diagnosing a rattle in the engine bay? I wouldn't mind asking ChatGPT for suggestions based on the make and model of your vehicle. If I'm on a long road trip and want to know if there's any breaking news I should be aware of in the next city, I'd like to call on Copilot to give me an update. While I don't believe a third-party service will immediately solve my Android Auto voice command problems, I would like more options to customize my in-car assistant experience. Whether it's Bixby for navigation and playlist selection, Perplexity for news and cultural snippets, or ChatGPT for guidance on specific challenges, there is room for Android Auto's voice capabilities to be truly customizable, hands-free, reliable, and, more importantly, useful.
News18
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
Volvo XC60 Facelift To Launch In India On August 1, Here's List Of Expected Updates
Last Updated: The model has already made an globally debut last year with two colour options. It is not confirmed yet whether the company will bring those shades to the Indian market or not. The Swedish-based carmaker Volvo is all set to introduce the facelift avatar of the XC60. It has been reported that the launch is slated to take place on August 1, 2025. The model has already made an official debut globally last year with two colour options. However, it is not confirmed yet whether the company will bring those shades to the Indian market or not. What's New? The updated version will hit the market with noticeable cosmetic changes from the outside, while the cabin will receive slight nip-and-tuck updates to make it better than before. The price bracket of the upcoming model is not known yet. However, reports suggested that the interested ones might have to spend a few extra lakhs on the refreshed version. Exterior Details Talking about the big changes from outside, the XC60 facelift will come with a redesigned front profile, featuring a new grille with diagonal slats. The element will be similar to the outgoing version. The company has invested some efforts in the front fascia, revamping the bumper with fresh air intakes. There will be new alloy wheels and taillights with a smoked effect. It will make it look better than before, and might dominate the market with the latest enhancements. Interior Updates Inside the cabin, it will retain the same style dashboard layout. However, the model will feature an improved 11.2-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment system that will support all the wireless car connect technology, including Android Auto and Apple carplay. It will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, allowing the customers to expirence an improved pixel density, faster touch response. Powertrain Under the hood, the Volvo XC60 facelift will use the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The unit will generate a maximum power of 247 bhp and 360 Nm of peak torque, and will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission/ view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 13:59 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Review: Viofo A329S dash cam backs up its high price
Your average punter is going to balk at shelling out nearly £500 for a dash cam but that's exactly what Viofo wants you to do with its latest A329S three-channel set-up. And I'm here to say it might well be worth it. The Viofo gives you three cameras - one to the front, one to the rear and another one covering the cabin. And definitely the most impressive thing about the device is that it offers multiplex video - in that it mixes footage from all three cameras into one video feed. This is not only very easy to handle for the user (no editing required), but also means it's got you covered if you encounter a mishap, as well as being terrific fun! Is that enough to justify the price tag? The dash cam has a pleasing, slim-line look and certainly feels high-end. It's not the smallest but the set up is reasonably straightforward, attaching the usual adhesive pads to the windscreens before placing the cameras where you want. The rear and cabin cameras both record 2K video and the quality is perfectly decent. The cabin camera includes four infrared LEDs and offers switchable ultra-wide and fisheye modes, ideal for rideshare drivers or even in-car vlogging. However, it's the front dash cam when the Viofo really shines and you start to understand where all the money went. It can capture true 4K footage at 60fps thanks to its Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, and the quality, particularly during daytime, is superlative. It's super detailed and you'll never be left squinting trying to make out a license plate again. You can't take advantage of the HDR mode and 60fps so you are faced with a little trade-off, but the quality was so smooth anyway I didn't really care. HDR is better suited to the dark, however, as the camera can then sense when an image is too bright or too dark and compensate on the fly. Sundown performance is maybe not as impressive as when the sun's up but you're have to search high and low to find anything light years better. The A329S captures a lot of video, so a large memory card feels like a must. You end up with some pretty big files but thanks to Wi-Fi 6 the transfer speeds to your phone are admirably rapid. Make sure when you do this your car's dashboard is off or you'll end up battling beteeen the dash cam and CarPlay (or Android Auto), which is a maddening experience. The Viofo UI is relatively straightforward yet customisable. I had little trouble getting everything working, and even made a few tweeks, but those new to dash cams might find it a little overwhelming. Luckily, there's no end of guides online to help you out. There are plenty of other features to play with, inclduing GPS tagging, voice control, emergency record button, and an upgraded 24/7 parking mode. The Viofo A329S is one of the most advanced dash cams you can get right now - but as I mentioned you'll have to pay for it. There are one- and two-channel options available as well if you're looking to keep the cost down. If you're after superior video quality, speed, and smart features, then look no further. The Viofo A329S is available from the Viofo website for £470. What other reviewers say Hemel Today: "Only, that is, if you're about to make the mental leap of spending nigh-on £500 on a dashcam. If you do, you'll be buying one of the best - if not the best - dash cams on the market, all things considered." Tom's Guide: "If you're prepared to forego a few bells and whistles and prioritise high definition recording with a single one-time purchase, the Viofo A329 lays a strong claim to be the dash cam you choose in 2025."
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
GWM Ora 03 GT is a characterful compact EV
A price drop and the axing of the 'Funky Cat' name are among other noteworthy changes to this characterful electric supermini, which features quirky retro-inspired looks. Previously costing £31,995, the well-equipped baseline model is now priced from £24,995. The entry-level Pure variant has a 48kWh battery pack with a claimed 192-mile range. It comes fully loaded with equipment including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a wireless phone charger with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, a rear parking camera and rear parking sensors. The vehicle pictured beneath a spectacular sky Move up to the mid-level Pro at £28,995 and the car gets a larger 63kWh battery pack and electric motor that produces a total of 169bhp and 250Nm of torque, with a claimed 263 miles on a charge. This grade also adds leatherette heated front seats, auto parking assist and front parking sensors. GWM has also added a spicier and sportier GT model to its 03 line-up, tested here. With prices starting at £32,995, this specification retains the same 63kWh battery pack and electric motor as in the former, and comes with an efficiency-boosting heat pump. With the exception of the addition of launch control, the changes to the GT are more aesthetic than mechanical. The Ora 3 has a quirky retro-inspired look To be fair, the model-specific bodykit does look really good and makes the GT version stand out from the crowd. You get red brake calipers, more prominent bumpers, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with red detailing, wheel arch extensions, a rear roof spoiler, ventilated and massaging front seats with red seat belts and panoramic glass roof. Size-wise, the 03 is a bit deceptive because it looks like a supermini from the outside but feels more like a family hatchback once you're inside. That interior space, both front and back, gives the car an added layer of practicality. An excellent driving position, with lots of adjustment, provides great visibility and you also get a 360-degree camera as standard. The cabin is bright and spacious The interior quality is a mixed bag, with some premium materials and a few design flourishes interspersed with some cheaper materials. The infotainment screen is a decent size but the system can be a clunky to use. Behind the wheel, the Ora 3 is relatively good fun to drive, with the electric motor providing near-instant acceleration from a standing start. The 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds isn't blistering, but feels quick enough, with the instant torque meaning it feels sprightly up to about 40mph. It's an easy and relaxing car to drive around town and doesn't cope too badly once you get out onto the B-roads. If you're after true driver engagement, then the steering is perhaps a little too light on the twisty roads, while there's also a fair bit of body lean to get used to when cornering swiftly. Looking ahead, GWM is looking to increase its presence in the UK with a new pick-up. The as-yet unnamed vehicle will join the recently-introduced Haval Jolion Pro SUV and the Ora O3 in the Chinese brand's range when it launches this September. The brand has stated that full pricing and specifications will be announced next month, too. 'Aimed at customers and businesses', the new vehicle will be a 'capable and tough vehicle that is ready to traverse any terrain'. It is believed that the new vehicle could closely resemble the brand's Cannon pick-up, which is already on-sale in Australia, where it is accompanied by 2.0- and 2.4-litre diesel engines with more powerful versions getting four-wheel-drive as standard. When it arrives, the new GWM vehicle will likely rival other pick-up trucks like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and KGM Musso, as well as more upmarket contenders like the Volkswagen Amarok. In Australia, prices for the Cannon start from $34,000, which would put it at around £16,900 in the UK. If carried over, it would put the new GWM vehicle at the more budget end of the pick-up segment. GWM Ora 03 GT PRICE: £32,995 for GT version BATTERY: 63KWh PERFORMANCE: 0-62ph in 8.2 seconds MAX CHARGING SPEED: 64kW RANGE: 248 miles CHARGING TIME: 10-80% charge in around 45 minutes for the 48kWh battery model and just under an hour for the 63kWh model
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Nissan Drops Affordable 2025 Pathfinder Lease Deal For July
Today, there is no shortage of excellent mid-size SUVs with third-row seating. But one of the most underrated choices, the Nissan Pathfinder, is also one of the most affordable. For July 2025, the Nissan Pathfinder is available for $389 per month over a 36-month lease term. You'll need $4,339 due at signing, and you can drive 10,000 miles per year. Shoppers in other major, popular markets can still secure a highly competitive lease payment on the new Nissan Pathfinder. For example, shoppers in the greater Los Angeles area and southeastern US (like Miami) can take home a new Pathfinder for $409 per month over the same 36-month term. You'll only need $4,239 due at signing and still get 10,000 miles per year. These estimates don't include local taxes and other fees, nor the acquisition or disposition fees. Check out the Nissan website yourself for the latest Pathfinder deals and incentives. Standard seating for eight passengers, a seriously attractive base MSRP of just over $36,400, and no-charge Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration make the Nissan Pathfinder a standout value in the mid-size SUV segment. Like competitors (Pilot, Palisade, etc.), it touts a naturally aspirated V6 under the hood. Unlike those rivals, though, it touts a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, which is near the top of its class. The lease offer quotes a $43,350 MSRP, too, specifying a four-wheel drive SV trim that adds heated seats, blind-spot intervention, ten-way power seats, remote engine start, and more. Want to put zero down on your new Nissan Pathfinder lease? By spreading out the quoted due at signing amounts, we can get a rough idea of how much a monthly lease payment would be with $0 down. Dividing the $4,339 down across 36 monthly payments adds roughly $121 to your monthly payment, bringing a new monthly lease payment to $510 per month. Your payment will be higher, and this estimate isn't an official Nissan quote, nor does it account for local fees, taxes, and other charges. Talk to your local Nissan dealership for more information. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder may be a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none. Competitors offer better on-street manners or off-road chops, depending on what you need. But if what you're looking for is just a little bit of everything, the Pathfinder deserves consideration. Especially when you consider the attractive lease deal Nissan is running for July 2025. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
