Google enforcing app design for Android Auto apps to minimize safety concerns

Google has typically taken a very lax stance on Android apps, as we’ve all seen in the Play Store. It’s a very different approach than what you’ll find in other app ecosystems, but for the most part, it’s worked pretty well for Google. Regardless of your stance on the issue, it’s been very clear that Google is taking Android Auto and Android TV apps a little more seriously and putting efficient design at the forefront without allowing the app stores to get flooded with stuff from any app developer.

With the first wave of Android Auto vehicles rolling out, there are about 35 apps available for the platform. Compared to the millions and millions on the Play Store, that’s an extremely small number. Google has a good reason behind that, though, since addictive apps that work on your car’s dashboard are, well, dangerous.

Instead of allowing any apps onto the store for Android Auto, Google is holding developers responsible to a  template for every single app that mitigates the amount of time spent looking at the screen and the number of taps and presses that are necessary to interact with the app. This keeps distractions to a minimum and keeps drivers focused on the road, which is an incredibly responsible move on Google’s part.

Google’s template includes common typefaces and button layouts and enforces specific color palettes that are easy to see in the sunlight and not too harsh on the eyes at night. If an app doesn’t meet the criteria, it’s sent back to the developer to make changes until it’s considered safe for Android Auto.

Google isn’t taking shortcuts with this process, either. There’s no software or algorithm that checks this stuff out, but instead an actual human being that reviews every app to make sure that it meets Google’s self-imposed safety standards.

For now, don’t expect too many Android Auto apps to flood the market. At least not until Google hammers out the details of its self-driving cars. Then we can all watch Netflix and play Candy Crush on those long road trips with no worries whatsoever.

source: Auto News

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