In 2019, Google introduced a new class of Assistant device that provided dedicated mics in your car. Five years later, Google looks to be shutting down the “Google Assistant on Car accessory.”
About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.
Featuring a microphone and four indicator lights, the JBL Link Drive and Anker Roav Bolt would plug into your cigarette lighter socket. This lets you use the “Hey Google” hotword to ask questions, with answers playing on the in-car stereo systems via Bluetooth or AUX.
Google touted Navigation (Navigate home, How’s the traffic, Find gas, etc.), Communication (sending messages, texting travel ETAs), Entertainment (playing media), and more (smart home commands).
At $50-60, the form factor was pretty affordable and let you add Google Assistant mics to Android Auto-less cars.
With Google Assistant on mobile making way for Gemini, these car mics look to be on the way out. Google app beta (version 16.5.33) this morning reveals a deprecation string for “Google Assistant on Car accessory” devices.
The “assistant_car_accessory_deprecation” message reads: “By the way, Google Assistant on your car accessory will be discontinued in coming weeks. To keep using Assistant, invoke queries either on your Mobile or via Android Auto.”
This does not appear to be live yet, and Google support documents haven’t been updated yet to reflect this.
Android Auto (and Android Automotive) adoption is increasing, so the wind down of this accessory isn’t too surprising. The Google Assistant on Car accessory was well-timed for the late 2010s/early 2020s.
Officially, users are advised to use Android Auto or their phone, with Assistant Driving Mode still offering a basic experience after last year’s app and launcher removal.
Thanks to JEB Decompiler, from which some APK Insight teardowns benefit.
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