Andy Walker / Android Authority
TL; Dr
- Android customers can now not entry Google Assistant Driving Mode.
- The characteristic has gone lacking within the Google app and on Maps.
- It’s unclear if it is a mistake or intentional elimination.
Final 12 months, Google eliminated the app launcher from Assistant Driving Mode, lowering the characteristic to a easy voice bar. Given the corporate’s plans to part out Google Assistant, the depreciation of this characteristic isn’t that massive of a shock. What’s a shock, nevertheless, is that Driving Mode appears to be gone utterly now, with out a substitute for change it.
Based on 9to5GoogleGoogle Assistant Driving Mode can now not be accessed in Maps for Android. Driving Mode has reportedly disappeared on the most recent steady variations of Maps and the Google app. It’s unclear if the characteristic was eliminated by mistake or deliberately.
For those who’re unfamiliar with this characteristic, it could seem as a black bar on the backside of your display screen when utilizing the Maps app. You possibly can use it to have Assistant learn messages, notify you of calls, and management media. It’s a reasonably helpful characteristic for individuals who don’t need to take their palms off the wheel to navigate their telephone.
Whereas it’s unknown if the characteristic will likely be restored, we do know that Gemini will finally land on Android Auto and Android Automotive. Google has included this as one of many matters it can talk about throughout I/O 2025, which is scheduled for Might 20-21.
