Google has given its Assistant on Android Auto a new look that bears striking similarities to Apple's Siri interface on CarPlay. This update brings a new UI element that appears during voice interactions with the Assistant.
This new UI is different from the existing Assistant bar at the bottom of the Android Auto screen. The old bar is still there for initiating commands, but this new UI takes over when the Assistant is waiting for a response from the user – for example, to confirm a specific location for a certain type of business you asked for directions to.
Based on screenshots and descriptions, the new UI appears as a colorful, dynamic wave that animates in response to voice interactions. It appears to occupy the bottom of the screen, overlaying the current app or map view. The UI also includes a microphone icon that pulses when the user speaks, providing visual feedback that the assistant is actively listening.
Android Auto's new UI while waiting for a response | Image credit – 9to5Google
The similarity to CarPlay's Siri interface is quite striking. Siri also uses a colorful wave that animates during voice interactions and also takes up the bottom part of the CarPlay screen.
The new UI could improve the Android Auto user experience by making voice interactions more intuitive and visually appealing. The dynamic animations and colors could make the assistant feel more responsive and engaging. However, some users might find the new UI distracting or unnecessary, especially if they prefer the simplicity of the existing bottom bar.
It remains to be seen if this new UI will become the default for all Assistant interactions on Android Auto or if it will remain just an optional feature. Google could continue to refine and improve the UI based on user feedback. It's currently unclear how widely this new UI has been rolled out, but it has been observed on Android Auto version 12.5 on a Galaxy Z Fold 6.
