Google is testing a deep redesign in its operating system for vehicles. Named as Coolwalk, this user interface segments the screen to offer more information facilitating use. And there is a change that is even more experimental: we have been able to test it.
It is not that Android Auto has changed excessively since its inception, although it has evolved into a useful and sufficiently comfortable design. In general, the touch screen allows interaction without distraction; while Google Assistant offers voice management and message reading (when it works correctly). Now, how to evolve the system in order to better adapt it to any type of screen? coolwalk is the answer.
Vertical Coolwalk, a twist to multi-screen navigation
Above, Coolwalk horizontally; below, Coolwalk vertically
Android Auto has been testing the Coolwalk interface since its version 7.1 without Google still allowing activation for all users. Consequently, it is only possible to access it from a mobile with ROOT and after having modified the Android Auto settings with apps such as AA AIO TWEAKER, also manually editing one of the databases which contains Google Play services.
We had already managed to access Android Auto Coolwalk in its horizontal format: the screens at the top and a lower dock with the navigation icons arranged in that direction, the horizontal. With the latest versions of Auto Google has introduced the vertical interface, which is called “vertical rail”. They are still experimental features.
We have managed to activate Coolwalk vertically on our mobile with ROOT through the AA AIO TWEAKER application and then manually editing the “phenotype.db” database, included in Google Play services. The result is a combination of an application in the foreground of the screen, a panel on the left dedicated to playback and rail vertically left with navigation icons, status icons, and the clock.
Depending on the resolution of the vehicle’s console (our screen remains at 1,280 x 720 pixels), Coolwalk vertically offers a double screen or only the foreground. It is possible to move through the rest of the apps through the drawer icon, Android Auto opens them by holding the navigation to the right and, by having the dock vertically, the Assistant shortcuts, notifications and running app are much more at the driver’s hand; which should reduce distractions.
Coolwalk in portrait looks very polished, we haven’t run into any performance issues, navigation is adequate, and the system fits the screen well. Although it works perfectly Google disables its execution after boot; which forces to start the process again to activate it.
Almost ready, but no estimated date
The design and operation denote an advanced state of development. Even so, it is still very difficult to test the new design of Android Auto, both horizontally and the one that concerns us now, Coolwalk vertically. Let’s hope that Google is concluding the tests to let it activate, surely first in the betas.
