The famous blue arrow on the Google Maps screen that appears when you activate Android Auto is nearing its end. Google has begun rolling out an update that allows you to change the navigation icon directly from your vehicle, without having to use your phone. This feature, which many have been requesting for some time, was already available in the phone app, but now it's coming to the dashboard interface.
The interesting thing is that the option appears right below your home and work addresses in the main settings menu. There you can choose from several car models and even the color, so the blue arrow is no longer the only option. It's a small change, but for those who spend many hours behind the wheel, personalization makes all the difference.
Easy setup from the dashboard screen
The new option is integrated into the main Android Auto menu. As confirmed by Android Authority, the setting appears just below the Home and Work shortcuts, and also next to the alert selector. From there, the driver can tap the current icon and choose from different vehicle silhouettes and a color palette.
Until now, changing your avatar required navigating through Google Maps settings on your phone, which wasn't very intuitive. With this change, everything is done directly from the car, without needing to touch your phone. This is a usability improvement that many will appreciate, especially since the Android Auto interface is much safer to use while driving.
Customization isn't just about aesthetics. Having an icon that more closely resembles your real vehicle can help you better identify your position on the road, especially at complex intersections. Furthermore, changing the color makes the marker stand out more against the map background.
Progressive deployment and requirements
The feature isn't rolling out to all users at once. Google is activating it via a server-side update, so you probably won't see it yet even if you have the latest versions installed. To use it, you need Android Auto 17.8.163744 and Google Maps 26.38.01.980791571 or a later version.
Several users have already reported receiving the new feature in online communities, but others are still waiting. Google typically rolls out these features gradually to avoid stability issues, so it's best to be patient and keep your apps updated. If you don't want to wait, you can always try installing the latest APK from reliable sources, although there's no guarantee the feature will activate immediately.
At the same time, Google has taken the opportunity to remove the Jimothy 'easter egg' that appeared in recent Android Auto betas. This visual nod, which shouldn't have been released, has been removed from the stable version. It's not the first time something like this has happened, but it has caught the attention of more observant users.
More news on the horizon
Customizing the icon isn't the only new feature Google is preparing for Android Auto. A few days ago, it was revealed that the company is working on a revamped Google Maps that will display photos of destinations, practical information, and even summaries generated with Gemini directly on the car's screen. Although still in the testing phase, the idea is to give drivers a better overview of their destination before starting their journey.
It has also been confirmed that Android Auto 17.7 is being rolled out as a maintenance update. It doesn't bring any major visible changes, but it fixes several bugs and improves overall stability. Among the changes in this version is the new green Android Auto icon, which is now being shown to all users after a limited rollout in previous versions.
But if there's one thing that's caught everyone's attention in recent weeks, it's the arrival of YouTube on Android Auto. Google announced it as part of the platform's new generation. You'll be able to play videos on your car's screen in Full HD resolution and up to 60 frames per second, but only when the vehicle is stationary. As soon as you start moving, the video disappears and playback continues in audio only, so as not to distract the driver. This feature complies with Spanish traffic regulations.
The arrival of these features shows where Android Auto is headed. Car screens are becoming increasingly larger and more capable, and Google wants to take full advantage of them, but without compromising road safety. Personalization, Gemini summaries, and on-demand entertainment are steps in that direction.
In short, the navigation icon change is a welcome improvement that brings Android Auto closer to the Waze experience. Now we just have to wait for the rollout to reach all users and see what other surprises Google has in store for us in the coming months.
