Android Auto 17.8.1638: what changed and which features are still missing
Google has released Android Auto 17.8.1638 beta with bug fixes and general improvements. Some users report the return of cellular signal bars, while the larger redesign, widgets and parked video remain unreleased.
Google has updated the Android Auto beta channel to build 17.8.1638. Do not expect a major redesign after installing it: the release notes list bug fixes and general improvements. Version 17.8 itself arrived earlier — the previous build, 17.8.1637, appeared on September 11–12.
There is, however, one noticeable change. Users have started reporting the return of the cellular signal-strength indicator, which disappeared for some drivers several months ago. Android Authority and 9to5Google link the improvement to Android Auto 17.8, including build 17.8.1638, but so far there are only a few confirmations. Google has not officially confirmed this fix.
Google says beta-program participants receive updates earlier than everyone else and warns that test builds may be less stable. That makes manually installing this build solely for the presumed fix of limited value.
A new Google Maps card with photos and Gemini summaries has already been found in the 17.8 branch, but it is hidden and not publicly enabled. The same applies to the broader interface overhaul: widgets had already surfaced during development of Android Auto 16.8.
Google has indeed announced a new generation of Android Auto with Material 3 Expressive, widgets, immersive navigation and video playback while the car is parked. These features should not be treated as part of build 17.8.1638, however: Google presented them as elements of a separate major Android Auto update.