Google is quietly experimenting with some curious updates to Android Auto, ranging from practical productivity tools to a bizarre piece of internet humor. A recent deep dive into the app’s code by researchers reveals that the tech giant is laying the groundwork for a new Quick Settings menu directly within the vehicle interface. While not yet available to the general public, early evidence suggests a Do Not Disturb tile is leading the charge, which would allow drivers to silence their phones more efficiently without digging through complex menus while on the road.
While the Quick Settings update seems like a logical step toward making the driving experience safer and more streamlined, another discovery in version 17.6 is far less serious. Hidden within the system files is a reference to Jimothy mode, named after a viral raccoon meme. When manually activated by developers, this secret mode triggers whimsical weather animations that display current temperatures and atmospheric conditions right on top of the music widget.
It is highly unlikely that Jimothy will make his official debut on dashboards worldwide, especially since internet memes tend to have such short lifespans. However, the existence of this easter egg proves that Google engineers still enjoy adding touches of personality to their software during the testing phase. For now, most users can expect the functional Quick Settings tiles to arrive eventually, while Jimothy remains a funny footnote buried in the digital plumbing of Android Auto.
