WhatsApp and Android Auto have put an end to one of the biggest inconveniences behind the wheel: inability to hear voice memos while driving. The solution came almost silently, as it was now possible to easily reproduce them. Moreover, without having to touch the WhatsApp application or Android Auto application.

Replying to WhatsApp messages while driving has long been possible thanks to Android Auto. Send messages or make calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel: Just ask Google Assistant to communicate with us directly or transcribe our voice; as well as converting received chats into audio, of course. What about voice memos? It was not possible to hear them on Android Auto; This situation has now changed. Finally.

Android Auto plays original WhatsApp audio

Until now, WhatsApp sounds could not be heard through the speakers of a car with Android Auto installed. Although it seems simple, the truth is Google system for vehicles did not support playing such messagesso it was frustrating for those who wanted to know the content of the sounds. Now the deficiency is corrected without making much noise.

As we verified on our Android Auto using the latest versions of both the Google app and WhatsApp, vehicle console now plays all received audio. The voice note notification appears on the vehicle screen and differentiates itself from text messages by having a microphone on the card. In both cases the “” button appearsread out loud“, when you press you can see the change:

• If you received a text message, Google Assistant will read the text out loud to you.
• If what you’re getting is audio, Android Auto will play it after the Assistant prompt.

At first glance, there is no exaggerated difference between receiving regular or voicemail, the same action button appears in both cases. Then the voice changes: either the voice of the assistant or the voice of the person sending the voice. You no longer need to stop the car to listen to audio from your smartphone.

This small change is a big advantage for users because Risks of distraction are reduced: Android Auto will play whatever type of message it will play. And it probably already works in all cars, it’s just a matter of trying it out. Also update the apps if voice memo playback is still unavailable.

Image | DALL-E 3 edited

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