Hi, thank you for sharing your experience!
Regarding the Android Auto layout you mentioned (one large app on top, two smaller ones underneath), it’s true that some users have noticed the layout may vary depending on the screen resolution and DPI (pixel density) of the head unit. However, Android Auto currently does not offer any official setting to manually switch between layouts (e.g., side-by-side vs. stacked).
There are some discussions online suggesting that changing the DPI could affect the layout, but we do not recommend regular users to try this, for several important reasons:
Adjusting DPI involves low-level system parameters, and incorrect settings can lead to display issues, inaccurate touch input, or even cause the device to fail to boot properly.
Some versions of Android Auto have internal layout constraints, so even if you change the DPI, it may not have any visible effect.
Modifying firmware can be risky and difficult to recover from, so it’s not advised unless you are an advanced user and know exactly what you’re doing.
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Recommended approach:
Check if your Android Auto is up to date
Newer versions may offer improved layout behavior or better adaptation to different screen configurations.
Look for a display density option in your firmware or system settings
Some manufacturers include a “Display Scaling” or “DPI” setting under “Display” or “Developer Options.”
If such a setting is officially supported, you may experiment with it, but do not attempt to modify system files.
Wait for or provide feedback to Android Auto developers
Since layout behavior is controlled by Google, it’s a good idea to send feedback suggesting they add a manual layout selection feature.
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Hope this helps, and feel free to share your firmware version or system details if you’d like us to take a closer look. Enjoy your driving experience!