WhatsApp has introduced a new official app for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, aiming to offer drivers a better way to use the messaging service while on the road.
A Real WhatsApp Experience on Car Screens
Until now, WhatsApp users relied on voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri to send and receive messages in their cars. This method worked but was limited and did not provide a full app experience. The new WhatsApp app brings a more complete interface that allows users to navigate conversations and calls directly on the car’s display.
The app shows a list of recent chats where users can listen to messages and respond using voice commands. Unlike on a phone, there is no keyboard, so all replies must be spoken aloud. Users can also access a call history tab to review recent calls and place phone calls through their car’s audio system.
Favorites and Hands-Free Interaction
The update also adds a favorites section, showing frequently contacted people for quick access. Drivers can start conversations or calls with these contacts without taking their eyes off the road, relying on hands-free control. This makes WhatsApp more practical and safer to use while driving.
How to Get the New WhatsApp Car App
The dedicated WhatsApp app for Android Auto and CarPlay will automatically appear after updating WhatsApp to the latest version from Google Play or the App Store. Once installed, the new icon will show on the car’s infotainment home screen upon connection. Tapping it opens the new interface for messaging and calls.
It is not yet clear if WhatsApp plans to add more features for its car integration. Given the long wait for this upgrade and the company’s focus on other platforms like iPad, major updates for driving use might not come soon.
Source: autoevolution.com