Feature description
I’d like to propose a small change to how ratings are represented in Android Auto.
Currently, the faces are mapped to star ratings roughly as: 1★ → 
, 5★ → 
, and 2–4★ → neutral face.
Instead, could Android Auto use the faces to clearly distinguish between “rated” and “not rated” tracks, for example:
Unrated track → neutral face
Low rating (1–2★) →
Positive rating (3–5★) →
This keeps the 5‑star rating model in the main app, but makes the Android Auto UI more usable and readable while driving, without adding new controls or extra complexity.
Problem solved
When driving, the current neutral face for 2–4★ ratings is ambiguous, because it looks the same as an unrated or “unknown” state.
As a result, I often cannot tell at a glance whether I have already rated the current track, which is distracting and can lead to repeated rating attempts while on the road.
This ambiguity increases cognitive load and attention time on the screen, which goes against the goal of keeping Android Auto interactions simple, predictable, and as distraction‑free as possible.
Brought benefits
Clear state awareness while driving: I can instantly see whether a track is unrated, liked, or disliked, without needing to remember past actions or navigate additional menus.
Reduced distraction and safer use: Faster recognition of rating status means less time looking at the screen and less mental effort, aligning with Android Auto’s design focus on minimal driver distraction.
Better use of ratings: Because it’s obvious which tracks are already rated, I’m more likely to rate new tracks consistently and adjust bad ones, improving the usefulness of my library over time.
Small change, high impact: This is a simple mapping adjustment in Android Auto’s icon logic, but it meaningfully improves UX for users who rely on the 5‑star system.
Other application solutions
This pattern helps drivers quickly understand status without needing to interpret exact star counts, which is the same improvement I’m aiming for here in Symfonium’s Android Auto view.
Device type
Phone
Additional description and context
I previously raised this request some months ago and completely understand you have many competing priorities.
The main motivation for revisiting it is driving safety and usability rather than aesthetics: distinguishing “rated” vs “not rated” is much more important in the car context than showing the full granularity of the 5‑star system.
I’m a heavy Symfonium user and rely on ratings to manage a large library, so having this clearer visual distinction in Android Auto would significantly improve my day‑to‑day experience.
Of course, I’m happy with any implementation that achieves the same goal (for example, using any other simple icon scheme that clearly separates unrated, negative, and positive tracks).
I searched existing feature requests
on