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Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google forums
Navitel has just released a new software update that resolves an aspect ratio bug impacting Android Auto users.
The glitch was reported in July, when someone turned to Google’s forums to indicate that the aspect ratio is no longer set correctly on their Navitel head unit. While the problem was originally said to affect only the DS810, several other users later confirmed that other models are also hit by the same problem.
While most people originally blamed Android Auto – this is barely a surprise, considering Google’s app is responsible for way too many problems already – the glitch resided in the software powering the head unit.
The phone model didn’t make a difference, so users who were running Android Auto on a Navitel head unit ended up hitting this aspect ratio glitch with Samsung, Google, and other Android phones.
No workarounds restored the correct aspect ratio, and naturally, users turned to the typical fixes available for Android Auto adopters.
“I have already updated all necessary apps and system software. I also reinstalled Android Auto from scratch with all the latest updates, and the head unit itself is running the newest firmware available. Despite this, the image and text remain stretched horizontally, making them blurry and unreadable (icons are oval instead of round),” someone explains on the Google forums, where users debate this glitch.
As it turns out, the Navitel head unit was responsible for this issue. Fortunately, compared to other companies, which need a very long time to release software updates – or never do it – Navitel has already released a new firmware version to correct the glitch.
The update is not distributed OTA, meaning that you must download and install the new firmware version on your head unit manually. You need a microSD card reader to download and extract the firmware files. Once you connect it to your head unit, you can update the firmware version from the settings screen.
The process takes only a few minutes, and when you are done, the head unit should restart automatically. Make sure you don’t interrupt the process because doing so could brick your head unit. After the restart, you can reconnect your Android phone, and Android Auto should be running correctly.
Additionally, you should also keep Android Auto up-to-date on your Android phone. While this has nothing to do with this bug, the most recent version typically includes additional bug fixes and improvements under the hood that contribute to a more refined experience with the app.
The newest Android Auto build is version 17.4, and you can already find it on the Google Play Store. A new build should land by the end of the month, with a major update expected in the next quarter, when Google should start rolling out new features like widget support and YouTube integration.