drivers want at their fingertips when behind the wheel. Google on
Friday rolled out updates to the app, including new features like
shortcuts, icon colors, and a background wallpaper option.
"Car Home for Android turns your Android phone into a better driving
companion by providing you with quick access to key applications on
the go: GPS navigation, voice-activated commands, contacts, and more,"
Markus Mühlbauer, Google Automotive's manager of engineering and
product, said on the Google Mobile blog. "We're releasing a new
version of Car Home for Android which makes it easier to customize Car
Home to get the information you need faster."
The app can now be automatically launched when linked with a special
dock mounted on the windshield or when it's connected with Bluetooth.
You can also customize for one-touch access to certain apps and phone
information via "Add shortcut," as well as select personal wallpaper
settings.
The free app is available in Android Market for phones running Android 2.2.
The updated app debuts at an opportune time. This week, several
studies related to the dangers of distracted driving have been
released. A study released Thursday by Vlingo revealed that 35 percent
of drivers are using their phones to text while driving, and a study
by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that bans on texting behind
the wheel aren't decreasing collisions. As more data becomes
available, the need for hands-free solutions will likely increase.
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