Google announced the discontinuation of the Maps integration in Assistant Driving Mode on Nov. 21, according to 9to5Google. The news followed a "sunset" notification from the app, which turned out to be incorrect.
The said Assistant Driving Mode is a feature on mobile phones that shows easy-to-access essential apps and functions for a safer driving experience.
Choose the Driving Mode in Google Maps Instead
Of course, there is another option for people who want to navigate roads using their phones.
The Driving Mode in Google Maps for Android devices which is geared for use in automobiles will continue to be available.
To access it, open the Google Maps app. It will show a black bar with a link to Assistant and a grid of app icons, such as for YouTube Music, Google Podcasts, and other streaming services that work with it. There are also ways to text and call using a voice command.
Note that steps in accessing this feature may be different depending on the phone's setting or model.
Compared to the Driving Mode Dashboard, which is widely referred to as the 'homescreen,' Google Maps is much easier to use. Plus, the tech company discovered that the majority of users are just utilizing it despite having the maps feature on the Assistant Driving Mode.
It was Supposed to be a Successor to Android Auto for Phone Screens
When Android Auto took down its phone version while still serviceable for car screens, the Assistant Driving Mode was a great candidate to consider as a direct replacement for Android Auto on phone screens as it features a map-navigating system.
However, because of the news, it can no longer be assumed as a direct successor of mobile phone screens' Android Auto.
Android Auto is a car display app that provides access to other essential apps and functions while driving. By utilizing it, the user can have easier control over navigation, calls, text messages, and music.
Driving Mode was previously seen as a downgrade in comparison to Android Auto, although some people appreciated it. Google reported that millions of customers use both versions of Driving Mode daily.
With this, Google Assistant has been steadily pushing away from projects that are not entirely focused on voice assistant functionality.
Features of Google's Assistant Driving Mode
Google introduced the Assistant Driving Mode at the company's 2019 I/O event to replace Android Auto on mobile phones.
The driving mode will be activated once the user's phone is paired successfully with the Bluetooth system of the vehicle. Otherwise, it can be accessed by commanding, "Hey Google, launch driving mode" or "Hey Google, let's drive."
The dashboard or home screen provides recommendations for media to play, easy access to music settings, and shortcuts for making phone calls and sending texts.
Along with driving mode, News18 reported that Google would make it possible to use Assistant to control automobiles remotely. For instance, customers will be able to ask Google to change the temperature in the car before the driver gets in.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Trisha Kae Andrada
