Quote:Google has announced an updated version of the Android Automotive emulator that has support for Google Play Store, meaning that devs can now test more parts of their apps without the need for an actual car running the platform.
 
The new emulator makes it possible for software developers to create their apps from one end to another a lot easier and without waiting for cars with Android Automotive to become available.
 
“This means developers no longer have to wait to get their hands on a vehicle, but can design, develop, run apps right within the emulator, and can now test distribution via Play Console by requesting access,” Madan Ankapura, Product Manager, Android, says.
 
In addition, Google also announced that more apps are being developed for Android Automotive, presumably paving the road for the ecosystem to expand beyond the media apps that make so much sense when driving.
 
“More media app developers, including Amazon Music, Audioburst and YouTube Music, are adapting their apps for Android Automotive OS. The process of porting existing media apps that support Android Auto to this platform is simple and requires minimal development resource,” Ankapura explains.