In recent weeks you may have noticed a change in your vehicle's infotainment screen. Now some Android Auto icons They show a curious “P” that is superimposed on them. Still don't know what it means?
Don't worry, it is not a problem with your application, it is one of the new features that came with Android Auto 11.4 and that have been maintained in subsequent versions, because they are designed to improve safety behind the wheel. The curious thing is that Google has not issued any information in this regard, it has been the users themselves through use who have found the key to the meaning of the “P” icon.
What does the “P” that appears next to the icons in Android Auto mean?
The Google vehicle app combines functionalities that are practical when driving, that is, they serve as travel companions, with functionalities more oriented towards entertainment.
It's ok that We can use Waze while driving, or ask Spotify to play our favorite song. But there are apps that make no sense to use while driving, because we would put our safety and that of others at risk. A clear example is games.
It is in these types of applications that are not useful while driving that the “P” appears. These Android Aut iconsor they are shown on our screen with a small circle inside which there is a “P” highlighted in red.
This tells us that we can only use that application when the vehicle is parked. In this way, Google ensures that we cannot access tools that could distract our attention while driving.
Touch screens and their impact on security
Android Auto apps that are not useful while driving cannot be opened when the vehicle is running. However, for the European road safety authority (Euro NCAP), this is not enough to protect road safety.
The institution has a campaign underway that seeks to end the presence of touch screens in cars as a way of managing certain functionalities by 2026. Those vehicles that wish to obtain a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating must have physical buttons to manage functionalities that Many current models manage through the touch screen.
The agency indicates that vehicles must have physical buttons to:
- Hazard operation functions.
- Wiper washer.
- Activate turn signals and emergency or fog lights.
- Horn.
- SOS function.
Specialists believe that the trend of installing screens in vehicle interiors benefits manufacturers, but not so much drivers. Because it is a way to simplify the interior and make manufacturing cheaper. But for users, relying heavily on a touch screen, means having to frequently take your eyes off the road and even the hands on the steering wheel, which increases the risk of suffering an accident.
Keys to using Android Auto safely
So that manipulating the car screen while driving does not become a risk, here are some tips that can help you:
Prepare everything before starting
Before starting the march Make sure you leave all the applications you will need open. For example, turn on the navigator and indicate your destination, and play your favorite music.
If just at that moment you remember that you have to call someone or send a message, although you can already do this using voice commands while driving, It is better that you do it before starting. This way you avoid distractions.
Use voice commands
If while driving you need to use an application or modify the parameters that you have configured before hitting the road, do it through voice commands. For example, if you need to check traffic information, do a web search by telling Google what information you need.
Put all your attention on the road
Your vehicle's screen doesn't show anything interesting while you're driving, so you don't need to keep looking at it constantly. Forget it's there and Focus on paying attention to driving and traffic.
Update your device
If you update to the latest version, you'll see Android Auto icons with a “P” and you'll also have access to the latest features, which always include some security improvements.
Android Auto 11.6 is now available
The “P” icon came with version 11.4, but we already have 11.6, which has brought us other interesting new features, such as a new design of the Google assistant, which now appears integrated into the navigation bar.
On an aesthetic level, there are not many changes seen in this version with respect to its predecessor, it seems that on this occasion Google has focused on make internal adjustments and solve some of the bugs in version 11.5. But we cannot know for sure what has been solved, because Google has not updated the list of known errors.
If you want to download Android Auto 11.6, you can do so through Google Play. Access the app and click on your profile photo and then go to “Manage apps and device” and click on “Update all”. This way you make sure you have the latest version. Although this does not bring many changes with respect to the previous one, for security and functionality reasons it is always It is better to have the latest available version of all apps installed that you have on your devices.
The Android Auto icons with a “P” have been one of the most notable developments in recent weeks, but there is surely much more to come. We are all waiting for the global activation of AI text message digests, and we hope to talk to you about this very soon.