After doing away with the ‘Assistant Driving Mode' in 2022, Google Maps may get rid of the ‘Driving Mode' feature from its Android app. In an APK Insight post, some strings of code reveal that Google Maps Driving Mode will bid adieu in February 2024. The strings of codes found in the latest Google Maps app v14.52 hint that the Driving Mode optimized UI is all set to be removed from the Android app.
Previously, the Google Maps ‘Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard' was removed, which offered a homescreen with a map, media suggestions, audio controls, and calling and texting functions. This was meant to replace Android Auto for phone screens, although this was not received well at the user's end.
The strings of code indicating the removal of Google Maps Driving Mode aren't live yet
In comparison to the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard, the Google Maps Driving Mode turns on after the user has started the navigation and appears as a black bar at the bottom of the vehicle's display. The UI of the Google Maps Driving Mode shows quick access to Assistant, Google Maps, and a launcher to display compatible music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other supported streaming apps, as noted by 9To5Google. The UI is optimized to display large buttons to make it easier to control when driving.
Here are the strings of codes that indicate that Google Maps Driving Mode will be removed in 2024:
<string name=”el_deprecation_pre_launch_tooltip_description”>This view is going away in February</string><string name=”el_deprecation_post_launch_tooltip_description”>To call, message, or play media while navigating, tap the mic to use Assistant.</string>
In 2022, Google stated that many people were using the Driving Mode on their vehicle's screens, and the corporation will place a greater emphasis on this feature. However, now that the capability is being phased out, Google Maps users may have to rely on the Google Maps navigation mode.
