What you might want to know
- Model 14.52 of the Google app suggests important adjustments in Google Maps, significantly the removing of the app’s “Driving Mode” on Android by February 2024.
- A string hints at Google steering customers in the direction of utilizing Assistant for calling, messaging, or media playback throughout navigation.
- Whereas audio-only interactions are theoretically safer, there are issues that this variation marks a downgrade, particularly for these averse to voice assistants.
Google Maps is perhaps throwing “Driving Mode” out the window on its Android app, following final yr’s discontinuation of the “Assistant Driving Mode.”
9to5Google did some snooping in model 14.52 of the Google app and located some code that spills the beans. In basic Google style, it appears like Google Maps’ Driving Mode is perhaps waving goodbye in February 2024, based mostly on the strings uncovered.
A sure “view” talked about in one of many strings is meant to vanish subsequent month. This view is a little bit of a thriller for now, however it seems to be the principle display screen you see when utilizing Driving Mode, which presently makes navigation a breeze and safer.
It was meant to be the alternative for the Assistant Driving Mode, which misplaced its Dashboard view final yr. That characteristic had a neat residence display screen with a map, media suggestions, audio controls, and even calling and texting options.
However, Driving Mode kicks into motion solely while you begin navigating. It comes within the type of a glossy black bar on the backside of your telephone’s display screen. This nifty setup offers you fast entry to Assistant and large, helpful buttons on your music, podcasts, audiobooks, and different streaming apps.
This deprecation may pressure drivers to accept the plain navigation mode activated by a easy “Hey Google, launch driving mode” command. Moreover, there’s the revamped voice controls courtesy of Assistant. One of many strings notes that you’re going to be directed to the mic icon to summon Assistant for calls, messages, or media playback whereas driving.
Certain, going all-in on audio for security feels like an excellent thought on paper, however others could view this as a step again within the performance facet. There’s a complete squad on the market that simply dislikes the thought of chatting up a voice assistant.
