We are excited to share with you everything you need to know about the Coolwalk feature on Android Auto. Coolwalk is a split-screen feature that allows you to use multiple apps on the interface at the same time. This feature was first showcased on Android Auto in 2022 and was officially released to the public in 2023.
As avid Android Auto users, we understand the importance of having a seamless experience while driving. With Coolwalk, you can use navigation, listen to music, and get notifications on a single screen without having to switch between apps. In this user guide, we will walk you through how to get and use the Coolwalk feature on Android Auto‘s interface. We have also included troubleshooting fixes to ensure that you have the best experience possible.
Feature of Android Auto Coolwalk
Our team has researched the Coolwalk feature of Android Auto and found some exciting features that we think you’ll love. Here are some of the best features of Coolwalk:
- Coolwalk looks great on both vertical and horizontal screens, unlike Apple CarPlay’s interface.
- The split screen can be easily switched between two and three cards depending on the navigation app.
- The user interface of Android Auto has been completely redesigned to be more user-friendly.
- The last used navigation app and music player app are displayed for easy access.
- The media card on Coolwalk has themes based on the song or album you’re listening to.
Overall, Coolwalk is a fantastic feature that enhances the user experience of Android Auto.
Apps That Work With Coolwalk
We’ve tested Coolwalk and found that Google Maps and Waze both work well with this new Android Auto split-screen feature. In addition, some of the best music apps for Android Auto, such as Spotify and Pandora, are compatible with Coolwalk. Messaging apps also work seamlessly on Coolwalk, with the third card on the interface dedicated to messaging.
How to Get Coolwalk Feature on Android Auto
To get the Coolwalk feature on Android Auto, we need to update the Android Auto app on our smartphone to the latest version. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for Android Auto using the search option.
- Select the Android Auto app from the search results displayed on the Play Store.
- Choose the Update button to update Android Auto.
Note: If the Android Auto app is already running on the latest software update, you will see the Uninstall button.
Once we update the app, we can connect our phone to Android Auto and start using the Coolwalk feature.
How to Use Coolwalk on Android Auto
To use the Coolwalk feature on Android Auto, you need to first use the navigation app and set a destination. Once you set up navigation, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the Apps button located on the bottom tab of Android Auto.
- Launch the music app of your choice on Android Auto.
- Once you launch the music app, click the split-screen icon in the bottom left near the mic icon to get the Coolwalk interface.
- Now, the Android Auto screen will switch to the split-screen view. Here’s how it works:
- The navigation app takes up the majority of the space.
- The media app will take the screen’s left-out space or the bottom card (if the screen splits to a three-card screen).
- The upper card will contain the ETA and other navigation-related info.
- If you receive a notification for an incoming message, the ETA will be replaced with a message notification.
- Click on any of the cards to expand it to a full-screen view.
This is how you can utilize the Coolwalk feature of Android Auto to access multiple features of the system at once. With this feature, you can easily navigate and listen to music simultaneously without having to switch between different apps.
How to Change the Layout of Split-Screen on Android Auto
We can customize the split-screen layout on Android Auto and choose between having the media screen or navigation screen closer to the driver. Here are the steps to switch the screens:
- Open the Settings application on your Android smartphone.
- Use the search option in Settings to find Android Auto.
- Under the General section, select the Change Layout option.
- You will have two options to choose from:
- Media closer to driver: This option puts the media card close to the driver.
- Navigation closer to driver: This option puts the navigation card close to the driver.
Select the Driver seat location on Android Auto Settings:
- Select Left if you live in a left-hand driving country.
- Select Right if you live in a right-hand driving country.
After changing these settings, restart the Android Auto system on your car, and the changes will be reflected immediately. It is important to note that the option to change the split-screen layout is currently available in Android Auto 9.1 Beta. Hence, make sure to update your Android Auto app to the latest version to access this feature.
Can I Use Split Screen via Developer Options
If you cannot find the split screen icon on your car’s dashboard, you can activate it via Developer Options on your phone. Here are the steps to enable split screen:
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Click on the About Phone option.
- Tap seven times on the Build Number option to activate developer options.
- Open the System option on your phone’s Settings.
- Select the Developer options.
- Enable Force activities to be resizable.
- Connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system wirelessly or using a cable.
- The split screen or multi-window icon will be available when you open an app. Tap on it to enable the feature.
Once you have enabled split screen via Developer Options, you can easily use it to multitask on your car’s infotainment system.
How to Fix Coolwalk Not Working on Android Auto
If you are facing issues with the Coolwalk feature on your Android Auto, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the problem. Here are some possible solutions:
- Ensure that your Android Auto is updated to the latest version. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > All Apps and selecting Android Auto. Then, tap on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Enable auto-update.”
- Clear the cache files on the Android Auto. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > All Apps and select Android Auto. Then, tap on “Storage and Cache” and select “Clear All Data.”
- Ensure that the data connection on your mobile is stable. Coolwalk may not work properly if there is a weak or unstable data connection.
- Update the apps on your Android Auto screen. This can be done by going to the Google Play Store on your Android Auto and checking for updates.
- If you are using wireless Android Auto, try using wired Android Auto. Wireless connections may not be stable enough to support the Coolwalk feature.
- If you are using wired Android Auto, check the USB cable for damage. A damaged cable may cause connectivity issues.
- Remove your car from Android Auto and re-add your car. This can be done by going to Settings > Connected Cars and selecting “Forget This Car.” Then, reconnect your car to Android Auto.
If none of the above solutions work, you can contact Android Auto customer support for assistance. They will be able to help you fix any Coolwalk-related issues on your Android Auto.
FAQ
We understand that you may have some questions about using Android Auto split-screen and changing the layout, so we’ve put together some frequently asked questions to help you out.
- How do we enable split-screen on Android Auto? To use multiple apps on Android Auto, tap on the multi-window icon on your car’s dashboard. Ensure that your phone, apps, and the Android Auto app are updated to the latest software available.
- How do we turn off the Coolwalk on Android Auto? To turn off the split-screen, tap on the multi-window icon again.
- Can we change the Android Auto screen layout? Yes, you can change the Android Auto multi-screen layout through the app’s settings on your phone or the car’s infotainment system.
- Can we use split-screen on the older Android Auto app? No, your apps must be running on the latest version to enable this feature.
We hope that these answers have helped you with any questions you may have had about using Android Auto split-screen and changing the layout. If you have any further questions, please consult the official Android Auto documentation or reach out to their support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Update Android Auto to Get the Coolwalk Feature?
To update Android Auto to get the Coolwalk feature, make sure that your Android Auto app is up to date. You can check for updates in the Google Play Store. Once the app is updated, the Coolwalk feature should be available.
What is the Process for Enabling Coolwalk on Android Auto?
Enabling Coolwalk on Android Auto is a simple process. You can do it by clearing the data and cache of Google Play Services. First, go to Settings > Apps > All Apps and select Google Play Services. Then go to Storage and Cache and tap on Manage Space > Clear All Data. After clearing the data, restart your phone and launch Android Auto. The Coolwalk interface should now be enabled.
Can You Customize the Coolwalk Interface on Android Auto?
Yes, you can customize the Coolwalk interface on Android Auto. You can rearrange the apps on the dashboard screen, resize the media card, and adjust the DPI of Android Auto to get more space for widgets.
Are There Widgets Available for Coolwalk on Android Auto?
Yes, there are widgets available for Coolwalk on Android Auto. You can customize the dashboard screen with widgets for weather, music, navigation, and more. To add a widget, tap and hold on an empty space on the dashboard screen and select the widget you want to add.
How Do I Know if My Vehicle’s Android Auto is Compatible with Coolwalk?
To know if your vehicle’s Android Auto is compatible with Coolwalk, check the Android Auto website for a list of compatible vehicles. If your vehicle is not on the list, it may not be compatible with Coolwalk.
What are the Latest Features Introduced in Android Auto’s Coolwalk Update?
The latest features introduced in Android Auto’s Coolwalk update include a complete redesign of the interface, allowing users to run multiple apps side-by-side on the same screen. The media card has also been redesigned to grow or shrink in size depending on the application. Additionally, the DPI of Android Auto can now be adjusted to get more space for widgets.
