MyRadar has recently added support for Android Auto, bringing comprehensive weather information to the infotainment screen. The app was initially available on CarPlay in January, and the parent company has confirmed that an Android Automotive version is also in development.
Although there are already weather apps available on Android Auto, MyRadar stands out with its unique feature lineup, which includes a radar and the innovative RouteCast system. RouteCast is a weather forecast component that analyzes your route to provide advanced insights into weather conditions while driving to your destination. It takes into account factors such as road temperature, cross-wind alerts, and potential hazards, in addition to the expected weather temperature and conditions. This data is used to calculate your drive time and provide forecast updates every 15 minutes.
The parent company is committed to closely monitoring every point and route segment, with the aim of offering departure time suggestions based on the expected weather for your configured route. This means that MyRadar allows you to set a route and define a desired arrival time, and the application will notify you of any weather changes that could affect your estimated time of arrival, such as heavy weather or a snowstorm that may cause slowdowns or reduced travel speed.
While the weather radar and warnings are available for free in the app, the RouteCast feature can only be accessed by purchasing the premium package.
In addition to Android Auto and CarPlay, MyRadar has also been enrolled in the Android Early Access Program, indicating that an Android Automotive (AAOS) version is already in the works. Android Automotive is Google’s embedded operating system designed for cars and does not require a mobile device to run, as it is installed at the hardware level to power the infotainment system. The release date for the Android Automotive version of MyRadar has not been disclosed, but further information is expected later this year.
With the inclusion of Android Auto and CarPlay versions, MyRadar is demonstrating its commitment to providing weather information to drivers, especially with the seamless integration of RouteCast. After the release of the AAOS version, it is anticipated that MyRadar will also work on a CarPlay 2.0 version. The new-generation CarPlay will debut in the coming months, and developers will likely rush to update their software to support Apple’s revamped car platform.
The availability of full weather apps on Android Auto is not only good news for the growing app ecosystem in cars but also a testament to the importance of addressing this top feature request from users.
The original version of Android Auto featured a distinct weather widget on the main screen, which allowed users to see the current temperature and conditions upon launching the app. This was particularly useful for individuals whose infotainment systems did not display weather information. However, some users were disappointed when this widget disappeared with the introduction of the new Android Auto version in 2019.
In response to user feedback, Google brought back weather information to Android Auto, although it no longer came in the form of a full widget. Instead, the current temperature and a weather condition icon were placed in the status bar at the top of the screen, enabling users to easily view this information within the Android Auto user interface.
However, everything changed with the introduction of the Coolwalk redesign by Google in January. The multi-view app screen eliminated the status bar, relocating battery information, signal strength, and time to the lower part of the screen. Unfortunately, the weather data was also removed, and Google introduced a dedicated card on the Coolwalk screen specifically for displaying temperature and conditions.
Unfortunately, this weather card is only available on portrait screens and does not support landscape infotainment units. Given that landscape displays are likely more prevalent in the infotainment space, the majority of Android Auto users are left without access to weather information.
Google had promised to bring a weather card to the Coolwalk user interface regardless of the aspect ratio, but this update has yet to materialize. The company appears to be ignoring this highly requested feature, effectively preventing a significant portion of the Android Auto user base from accessing weather information.
This is why the arrival of MyRadar on Android Auto is such a significant development. With this app, users can now access weather details that Google has shown no interest in incorporating into their platform.
Only time will tell if Google eventually addresses this feature request. Technically, the space at the bottom of the screen could accommodate weather information, especially considering that adding a dedicated card to the Coolwalk screen would make the interface more cluttered.
As of now, Google has not provided any updates on their progress in this regard, so it is advisable not to hold your breath for weather updates on Android Auto.