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April 10, 2025 – The popular Android Auto app Xtream Player has rolled out a major update (v1.6.0) that introduces several long-awaited features, including the ability to send videos from a phone directly to the car’s display. The update also brings back a nostalgic touch with a Winamp-style audio visualizer, continuing the developer’s surprising turnaround after nearly shutting down the project last year.
The developer, who previously announced the app’s demise before rewriting the entire codebase and resurrecting it, has been on a roll. Just weeks ago, v1.5.0 added dashboard games. Now, with v1.6.0, the focus is on media playback and personalization. The standout addition is the experimental video casting feature, which allows users to push a video from their phone to the car’s screen. While still in beta, it opens the door for hands-free viewing of personal clips or navigation-related videos without relying on external streaming apps.
The visualizer, reminiscent of Winamp’s golden era, offers nine distinct styles. It works with both local music and streaming audio, and the developer has confirmed that free users get full access to these styles. Premium subscribers, however, gain two additional perks: the app remembers the last selected visualization style, and it supports official MilkDrop and libprojectM visualizers, vastly expanding the aesthetic options. This is a clear nod to the audio enthusiast community that has kept Winamp’s legacy alive.
Other refinements in v1.6.0 enhance the YouTube experience within the app. In-page controls now auto-hide after a few seconds for a more immersive view, and the quality picker has been updated to match YouTube’s native options. Additionally, the app now resumes playback after a phone call without dropping to the car’s radio, a common annoyance that many users have complained about. Subtitles are also disabled by default, giving users a cleaner initial experience.
The update is available for both free and premium tiers, though the premium features add genuine value for power users. The developer has also streamlined the download process: users can grab the latest APK from GitHub or the official Fermata Xtream website. Given the experimental nature of the video casting feature, some bugs are expected, but early Reddit feedback suggests the community is excited about the direction.
This rapid iteration cycle is remarkable for a side project that nearly died. The developer’s transparency on Reddit has built a loyal following, and the inclusion of community-requested features like video casting and visualizers shows a responsive development approach. For Android Auto users who want more than just navigation and music, Xtream Player v1.6.0 is quickly becoming a must-have tool.
From a competitive standpoint, Xtream Player now offers one of the most comprehensive feature sets among third-party Android Auto media apps. While apps like CarTube and Fermata (the original) have similar capabilities, Xtream Player’s combination of visualizers, games, and video casting—alongside a free tier—gives it a unique edge. The developer has hinted at more updates in the pipeline, including improved video casting stability and additional visualizer presets.
For those who prefer a more controlled experience, premium users can already access MilkDrop visualizers, which are widely regarded as the gold standard for real-time audio visualization. The libprojectM support further extends compatibility with open-source visualizer files. This customization level is rare in the Android Auto ecosystem, where most apps focus on simple playback.
The update also aligns with a broader trend of users wanting to repurpose their car’s infotainment screen for entertainment during stops or charging sessions. With the rise of electric vehicles and longer idle times, casting personal videos from the phone could become a practical feature. However, users should be mindful that video casting is experimental and may not work reliably with all Android Auto head units or vehicle models.
Overall, Xtream Player v1.6.0 represents a significant leap forward for the app. The developer’s dedication to reviving and improving the project has paid off, and the community response has been overwhelmingly positive. For anyone looking to expand their Android Auto capabilities beyond the basics, this update is worth downloading.
How to get it:
Download the Xtream Player v1.6.0 APK directly from GitHub (github.com/xtreamplayer) or the official Fermata Xtream website. Installation requires enabling “Install from unknown sources” in your Android settings. The app is free to use, with a premium subscription available for advanced features.
