If you're reading this article on a Nokia 3310, you probably don't know what Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are. These are software applications that display on the car's infotainment system. It essentially changed how we interact with vehicles by allowing us to seamlessly connect to the car with our smartphones.

Google is now taking it one step further with Android Automotive, not to be confused with Android Auto. Android Automotive is an operating system installed in the infotainment system. In other words, it's the primary system running everything, including navigation, climate control settings, heated seats, and model-specific pages. It's already used in the Polestar 2, which is just one of the many highlights of the vehicle. Now, Android Automotive 12 has received a few exciting updates.

The general idea is to create a standard within the automotive industry, and we're all for it. Various manufacturers try to emulate the usability of a smartphone, and it almost always fails. If you want a smartphone-like interface, make a deal with the people who have years worth of experience creating software for smartphones.

The latest version of Android Automotive will be getting a bunch of new features. In addition to a refreshed overall appearance and launch page, there's also an SMS feature, and it will illuminate a small light in the corner to confirm that it's recording.

This is useful during voice commands, so you know Google Assistant is listening. It will likely also be listening to your conversations for targeted ads, so if you ask your significant other what they want for Christmas, there's a good chance it will pop up on your Facebook newsfeed a day later to remind you.

While this is a bit creepy, it's also quite helpful. Once your car has its own profile and is connected, you can remotely deactivate the car and track it. Google also says it's possible to wipe all of your data from the car remotely, as this will likely be a significant concern to users.

Google also says the Bluetooth experience has been enhanced, but the biggest news is a new split-screen interface available for wider screens. For example, it will likely allow you to display two main features at once, like navigation and a music player. Once the entire car is running the software, Android Automotive will also forward any relevant information to a car's head-up display.

To date, only a handful of manufacturers use the technology. GM will use it in the new Hummer, and future Hondas will also be equipped with this interface.