# New Tools Expand Android Customization for Car Displays and Wearables Android Auto Maker and AutoWear unlock advanced control for vehicle screens and smartwatches. - **Source:** [XDA Developers](https://www.xda-developers.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e27b17d1-d9f0-46b6-a5ce-ae781e202612 ## Expanding Android Auto Utility Android Auto Maker is a new open-source utility that allows users to run custom applications on their car's infotainment display. By patching APK or XAPK files, the tool enables apps to function as parked apps. This bypasses Google's restrictive limitations, allowing users to access media players or games while stationary. ## Patching Mechanism Explained The software works by modifying the application package so Android Auto recognizes it as a compatible parked app. Unlike screen mirroring, this approach runs the software directly on the car's interface. Users simply select an APK, enable the Parked Game option, and create a modified installation file for their vehicle. ## Installation and Compatibility Because Android Auto Maker signs modified applications with a new key, users must uninstall the original version of an app before installing the patched file. This process may result in the loss of cached data for games or streaming services. Once installed, these apps appear in the standard Android Auto drawer. ## Practical Use Cases Beyond entertainment like Subway Surfer or VLC Player, the tool offers functional benefits for drivers. Users can access home security camera feeds or electronic toll payment applications directly on the dashboard. This flexibility turns large infotainment screens into more useful interfaces, particularly during long waits or heavy traffic jams. ## Wear OS Automation Power In a separate development, the AutoWear plugin for Tasker brings advanced automation to Wear OS devices like the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch. It allows users to trigger complex tasks on a connected phone directly from their wrist. This integration bridges the gap between wearable hardware and smartphone system settings. ## Tasker Profile Logic AutoWear utilizes Tasker’s structure of Profiles and Tasks to execute actions based on specific conditions. For example, a user can configure their phone to automatically switch to sound mode when their watch is charging. This creates a seamless transition between wearing the device and leaving it on the charger. ## Advanced Customization Features The plugin enables users to create custom watch face complications and Tiles that control phone functions. These elements can be configured to swap automatically based on triggers like time or device state. While the app offers a seven-day trial, it requires a payment of $1.57 for continued, full access. ## Evolving Ecosystem Control Both Android Auto Maker and AutoWear represent a shift toward deeper user control over the Android ecosystem. By enabling custom app support in vehicles and complex automation on watches, these tools address specific limitations in official software. They provide enthusiasts with the means to tailor their technology to personal needs. ## Sources covering this story - [XDA Developers — Android Auto Maker Enables Custom App Support on Car Displays](https://www.xda-developers.com/open-source-app-lets-android-auto-run-almost-any-app-on-cars-screen/) - [How-To Geek — AutoWear Enables Galaxy Watch Control Over Locked Android Phones](https://www.howtogeek.com/autowear-lets-my-galaxy-watch-control-my-phone-even-when-the-screen-is-locked/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._