Drivers beware: It appears that the so-called Google Maps “Driving Mode” will soon no longer exist. A replacement is not yet planned.
Silicon Valley — Google users will have to prepare for changes again in 2024. Drivers are particularly affected. Because like the intelligence service 9to5Google reports, the latest Google Maps version suggests that the so-called “Driving Mode” will be removed in 2024.
This is the optimized user interface that is activated while driving. Concrete indications of the abolition of the dashboard can apparently be found in the code of the not yet published Google Maps 14.52 version, which was developed by 9to5Google was decrypted.
From “Driving Mode”: Google Maps is probably discontinuing driving assistants completely
Google has been working on its driving assistants for a long time. First, the online service introduced the so-called “Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard”. This included a home screen with a map, media suggestions, audio controls, and shortcuts to calls and texts. This feature was intended to replace Android Auto, but was perceived as a deterioration by most users.
“Driving Mode” replaced this service, which was already quite unsuccessful, in 2022. Compared to the previous version, this is called up automatically after starting the navigation function and appears as a black bar at the bottom of the phone display. It also has a smaller range of functions than its predecessor.
However, Google was apparently also not satisfied with the newer version and is now abolishing it. For the time being there will probably be no replacement for the function. Since many cars now have interactive on-board computers and navigation systems, there would be little need for this.
End of the driving assistant on Maps: Official confirmation from Google is still pending
9to5Google However, emphasizes that there is still no official report from Google itself about this. In its report, the intelligence service only refers to the analysis of the app code. In the message, the service emphasized that Google may never ship these features and that interpretation of the data could be incomplete. Google users will also have to prepare for further changes in December: From December, the company will discontinue inactive accounts.
In 2019, a bug in Google Maps confused locals. The online map service quickly renamed the Amper. The river has only been correctly marked in the app since November 2023. (jus)