The long-awaited Android Auto 17.6 update is now rolling out to users, and while it initially appears to be a minor change, it hides a rather curious surprise. A new weather feature has been discovered in beta version 17.6.66, which uses a raccoon named Jimothy to display the weather on the car's interface.
This character, who went viral on social media last July, appears in the redesigned player area with a speech bubble displaying weather conditions. The idea is to offer useful information on small screens, where standard cards don't fit.
What is Jimothy and how does it work?
Jimothy is an animated raccoon that moves around the Android Auto interface. A small speech bubble with the current weather appears above it, and the screen can incorporate elements such as clouds, rain, or sunshine. The feature is designed for vehicles with smaller screens , where space is limited and not all information cards can be displayed.
According to findings in the beta version, Jimothy isn't a new character created by Google, but rather capitalizes on the popularity of the raccoon that became famous online. The animation is charming, but it could go unnoticed if the driver isn't looking directly at the screen, something Google will have to assess.
A solution for small screens
The main problem Jimothy solves is the lack of space on basic infotainment systems. Many users with small screens can't see weather information because standard cards don't fit. With this character, Google is looking for a space-saving and visually appealing alternative.
The feature is in the testing phase and may not be available to all users. Google could discard it before its final release , but for now it's one of the most talked-about new features in version 17.6.
Android Auto 17.6 Availability
Update 17.6 is being rolled out gradually via Google Play. Some users already have it, while others will have to wait for it to reach their devices. Jimothy was found in beta version 17.6.66, suggesting that the feature may be available in future stable versions.
For now, there's no official confirmation on when it will be available to everyone. What is clear is that Google continues to innovate in Android Auto with creative solutions to improve the driving experience.
In short, Android Auto 17.6 brings with it a peculiar but useful feature for small screens, starring Jimothy. While its arrival isn't guaranteed, it demonstrates that Google is attentive to user needs and seeks original ways to integrate information without distracting the driver. We'll have to wait and see if the raccoon becomes a regular feature in cars.