Android Auto 14.1 beta brings support for Android games

Android Auto is a platform that aims to make it easier to access useful apps and tools while driving. Big-sized icons and voice control help you access features more quickly—and safely—preventing you from taking your eyes off the road to use your phone. Now, Google is rolling out the Android Auto 14.1 beta update, which, among its main new features, includes support for Android games.

Android Auto 14.1 beta now available, compatible with some Android games

You might be surprised by the fact that Google “wants” you to play games while driving. Actually, this isn’t the case; a list of select games will be available to play only while the car is parked. Once the vehicle is moving again, these games will be “grayed out,” or inaccessible. Android game support is designed for those moments when you spend a considerable amount of time parked.

Google announced it was working on the feature in early March. Now, the company is finally integrating it into the Android Auto 14.1 beta. However, it’s notable that the feature is apparently in an early stage of development. Google has only integrated support for a few Android games but doesn’t appear to have done anything yet to encourage developers to adapt their games to the specific requirements of Android Auto screens and controls.

As 9to5Google notes, the current list of supported Android games is quite short. There are basically four: Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. As you can see, they are all casual games, ideal for playing short rounds of a few minutes while waiting in line with your car, for example.

Game support in Android Auto 14.1 beta also brings a new feature to the OS. Now, your apps will open in full screen. You’ll find a button to close apps by swiping down from the top of the screen.

Google is expected to expand the list of compatible games over time. However, it’s not yet certain whether the Android Auto 14.1 stable update will integrate the feature. It’s possible that Google will retain game support in beta builds to fine-tune it before a massive rollout.