As usual, there is no change log for the Android Auto update, which is quite frustrating for many, but on the other hand, new versions are usually geared towards additional polishing under the hood.
So whenever Google sends new Android Auto updates, what we should expect are general improvements, bug fixes, and additional optimizations, rather than new features. New features are very often activated by server-side switches which do not necessarily require a new software update.
As for the new features of Android Auto 5.2, this is difficult to say without an official change log, but we could still guess using the information published by people who have already installed it.
In my case, for example, the biggest difference seems to be the faster response time, because Android Auto seems a little more responsive when updating, especially when switching between apps.
But according to reddit users, there is more to this update.
“I installed AA version 5.2.5010 (March 26, 2020) and it may just be a placebo effect, but the overall navigation between applications within AA is faster, with almost instantaneous switching when selecting a application to another,»Explains a user.
“I also hope that I am not premature, but my call control screen has not disappeared after making around 10 consecutive outgoing calls. In the past, after making 3 to 5 calls, it has always disappeared and I could not hang up or accept calls afterwards or until I restart my phone. Currently, I use AA on a Pixel 3A / Kenwood 8706s in wireless mode.“
Google has also previously stated that it is working on a fix for broken voice commands – at this point it seems to be working well for me, but I was not previously affected by this bug either. So if this problem occurs on your device, try this update and see if it changes anything.
This update also appears to allow the new Google Assistant user interface for more users, but again, it’s not powered by the new version but by a server-side switch enabled by Google.
You can download the new Android Auto from the Google Play Store or use the dedicated APK installer.