Android Auto is running a pair of behind-the-scenes experiments, and while one appears headed for a public release, the other looks like a lighthearted internal joke.
A teardown of Android Auto 17.6 reveals that Google is laying the groundwork for Quick Settings tiles inside the car interface. Code strings currently point to a single tile, but the framework hints at more options arriving down the road.
Quick Settings Tiles Come to the Car UI
The first tile spotted in the teardown is a Do Not Disturb control, with separate states for the feature turned on and turned off. This functionality is not yet available to users within Android Auto, but it was manually activated during testing, where it showed up in the notification tray.
A Quick Settings menu feels like a natural fit for the driving experience, and it lines up with the kind of feature Google typically moves from testing to a wider rollout. The Do Not Disturb tile could serve as the starting point for additional controls in future updates.
The ‘Jimothy’ Weather Easter Egg
The second discovery is far more playful. Hidden inside Android Auto 17.6 is a flag tied to a Jimothy mode, referencing the viral raccoon meme. The code string reads “SystemUi__jimothymodeenabled.”
When enabled, the mode displays Jimothy alongside weather animations, layering the current temperature and conditions on top of the music widget. The result is entertaining, but it is highly unlikely to reach the public, especially given that the meme’s popularity has already faded.
The concept does point to a practical idea, however. A similar weather overlay could give Android Auto a consistent way to surface temperature and conditions, something the platform has lacked. The Do Not Disturb tile remains the more probable feature to ship, as it appeared in the notification tray once activated.
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Image: 9to5google.com
