After announcing that it would disappear, and after Google confirmed that not entirely, the new driving mode is starting to reach the first users. Much smaller, with less utility and including an already known interface: we tried it.
Driving following directions from Google Maps lost notable benefits once Google loaded Android Auto for phones, although the later-appearing, Assistant-based driving mode reduces the gap while maintaining a certain consistency in the interface. But of course, Google was determined to bring the benefits of an infotainment system only to Android Auto; he therefore reduced the driving assistant mode to its minimum expression. And it’s already starting to gain momentum.
Driving mode is reduced to its minimum expression
New driving mode in operation
The information advanced by Google in the assistant application places February as the end point for the aforementioned Android driving mode, although in the end this was not the case: the company confirmed that the interface for mobile phones on the go would continue. This, yes, was going to eliminate almost all traces of Android Au to’s legacy features
We spotted the new driving mode on our Google Pixel 8, so far it’s the only one that has updated the UI for guided routes inside the car. Even the Google Pixel 8 Pro, with the same software versions, does not show the renewed driving mode. Although, given what we’ve seen, that’s not a real advantage either.
Reduced control of the application currently playing
As reflected by 9to5Google, and as already known from previous leaks, the new driving mode interface It consists of the usual black bar at the base of the screen with the microphone on the left and the adjustment wheel on the right.. Depending on which media app is running in the background, a third icon will appear in the middle so that when you click on it, its space expands until it shows a small playback control. And if we go to the settings, the central icon that appears is that of Google Maps.
The new driving mode is kept to a minimum to provide fair multimedia control, direct access to Google Assistant and, also, to facilitate reading messages and incoming calls. And that’s it, it’s the last trace of that Android Auto for mobile phones that worked so well when it came to getting behind the wheel.
How to activate the new driving mode
The driving mode update is accompanied by a new version of the Google application and will be available before the end of February, the deadline for the interface change. Little by little it will appear on all phones and provided it is enabled in the wizard options. For that:
- Go to your mobile settings and navigate to “Google”.
- Go to “Google app settings”.
- Go to “Search, Assistant & Voice” and select “Google Assistant”.
- Scroll down to “Transportation”.
- Select “Driving Mode” and enable it in case you haven’t enabled it.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
By | 9to5Google
In Xataka Android | The best apps for Android Auto
