In February of 2024, Google Assistant Driving Mode was pared again to mainly be a voice bar, however in current days it has disappeared completely from Google Maps on Android.
Launching Google Maps driving instructions on Android, now not exhibits a black bar on the backside of the display. Beforehand, you could possibly shortly launch Google Assistant and have messages learn aloud whereas driving. You’d even be notified about incoming calls.
Controlling media was the opposite massive side of Driving Mode. The present audio app was famous on the heart of the bar, with a faucet sliding up music identify and artist. You may play/pause and skip to the following observe.
That is at present lacking on the newest secure variations of the Google app (16.14) and Maps (25.16.x). We’ve reached out to Google on whether or not it is a bug, or a deliberate removing.
When Google was deprecating Assistant options final yr, Driving Mode misplaced its App Launcher that allowed customers to entry Google Maps, Waze, YouTube Music, Play Books, and Podcasts, in addition to third-party experiences from Spotify, Pandora, Telegram, and extra.
Even with these capabilities eliminated, Driving Mode was nonetheless helpful for notifications and media playback controls. Google eradicating the bar completely — as Assistant is absolutely changed by Gemini on telephones this yr — with out providing a substitute is disruptive for those who use their Android system to navigate within the automobile.
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