What is driving mode?
Driving mode is a feature provided by Google in Google Maps app for Android, which aims to improve the driving experience for users. Users can access driving mode by tapping the driving button in the lower right corner of the screen, or by saying “OK Google, start driving mode”.
When driving mode is activated, the app displays useful information on the screen, such as directions, traffic, incoming calls, text messages, and alerts. Users can also interact with the app using voice commands or touch, such as calling someone, sending a message, playing music, or getting suggestions for nearby places.
Why does Google want to cancel driving mode?
Although driving mode provides a safer and more convenient experience when traveling, it seems that Google intends to cancel this feature in early next year. According to 9to5Google, the site spotted two strange strings in version 14.52 of Google app, indicating that driving mode will disappear in February 2024.
The first string says: “This view will disappear in February 2024. Use the Assistant to call or send messages or play media while on the move”. The second string says: “To call or send messages or play media while on the move, tap the microphone to use the Assistant”.
It seems from these strings that Google wants to push users to use the voice assistant instead of driving mode within Google Maps. This may be a step to unify the user experience across different apps and devices that support the Assistant.
What are the possible effects of canceling driving mode?
If driving mode is canceled indeed, it may negatively affect the driving experience for many users. While voice-only interactions are theoretically safer, they may not be sufficient or comfortable in some cases.
It is known that the voice assistant still suffers from some limitations and problems, such as not understanding accents, names, or commands correctly, or not having internet service, battery, or sound in some places. In these cases, users may have to use the screen display anyway to correct errors or complete tasks.
Also, there are some users who do not like to use the voice assistant in the first place, for personal, cultural, or social reasons. For these users, driving mode may be a better option to control Google Maps app easily and quickly.
Therefore, it can be said that canceling driving mode will be a reduction in the functionality of Google Maps app for Android, and will deprive users of a useful and beloved feature. We hope that Google will reconsider this decision, or at least provide an option for users to keep driving mode if they want.