Smaller Android Auto screens may finally get access to weather info

Key Points:

• Android Auto is developing a new weather display feature tailored for smaller screens, featuring Jimothy, a viral raccoon character, to visually present weather updates within the music player interface.
• This feature, spotted in the Android Auto beta version 17.6.66, shows weather conditions like rain, clouds, or sun alongside Jimothy hopping across the screen, although activation currently requires changing the device theme or restarting Android Auto.
• The raccoon-based weather alert may be too subtle for users to notice easily, suggesting the feature is still in development and may undergo further refinement before a potential public release.
• Despite being available in the beta, there is no confirmation that Google will integrate this weather feature into the official Android Auto app, but it could provide a useful alternative to third-party weather solutions for users with smaller head units.
• Additionally, Google appears to be preparing a new green icon for the Android Auto app, indicating ongoing updates beyond the weather feature.