It is assumed that the main function of app updates is to fix bugs, or add new features. But in recent times Google is becoming fond of just the opposite: add more bugs, and remove features.
A few weeks ago it removed a heavily used app from Android Auto, and just today the third-party screensavers on the Chromecast device with Google TV.
With the latest Android Auto update, some users have started to report on social media about a Google Maps crash, which completely freezes the app.
Specifically, it is about a bug with the satellite view of Google Maps. Many drivers use it because when you are driving through unknown areas, having an aerial view of buildings, trees or the road itself, with real images, helps to find your way around.
With the latest Android Auto update, on some configurations when activating the satellite view, Android Auto freezes.
Google has an open incident in its Android Auto Help section, but closed it a few days ago, implying that it had been solved. Nevertheless, the fault has continued to appear with some drivers, which indicates that it is not 100% corrected.
If it happens to you, the only solution that exists at the moment is, simply, do not use satellite view. All other maps work fine.
It is not the only headache that the popular Google car application is giving. It recently announced an increase in the requirements of the app, stopping it from working on many phones that are already a few years old.
There was also a problem that caused Android Auto icons look huge. Though that’s nothing compared to the google maps bug that ended with a car in the creek…