Google has formally confirmed that the Assistant “Driving Mode” bar that seems on the backside of Google Maps navigation on Android is now not accessible.
The corporate tells 9to5Google that the removing in current weeks is tied to how Gemini is set to exchange Google Assistant later this 12 months.
First introduced in 2019, Assistant Driving Mode was created to exchange Android Auto for Telephone Screens. It initially had a wealthy Dashboard and app-like experiences for media and navigation. In 2024, Waze, YouTube Music, Play Books, Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Telegram, and others had been eliminated.
What remained was basically a bar on the backside of the display screen that allows you to entry Google Assistant and media controls.
That handy interface has now been eliminated, with Google pointing customers to the Assistant button within the top-right nook for map-related instructions, like discovering fuel stations or totally different routes. In the meantime, customers are directed to gadget notifications for incoming calls and texts, whereas you will get a FAB (floating motion button) for music apps if you happen to allow Maps Settings > Navigation > Present media playback controls.
Behind-the-scenes, Driving Mode is powered by Google Assistant (and the Google app). Assistant on Android is being changed by Gemini later this 12 months, with this expertise not making its means over.
Extra on Google Maps:
FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
