A key Google Maps feature could be removed in a future version of the app. This is “Car Mode”, also called “Drive Mode”. This adapts the Google Maps interface to the needs of drivers during their journey. This functionality would be replaced by Google Assistant.
Despite all the alternatives available in the Android ecosystem (Waze, WeGo, Mappy, CityMapper, etc.), Google Maps remains the essential navigation assistant. Firstly because it is installed by default in all Android smartphones. Then because it is connected to all other Google applications. Although this is no longer really the case today thanks to many improvements, the primary function is to obtain directions, regardless of the mode of transport. Whether you are on foot, by public transport, by VTC or taxi, by bike or even by car.
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In the latter case, Google Maps today offers a feature called “ Car Mode » (or “Drive Mode” in English). Accessible only on Android, it changes the user interface so that it is easier to access the important functions of the smartphone (call, navigation, music and messaging with Google Assistant) while reducing the time as much as possible. inattention of the driver. This interface is automatically activated from the moment you start a car journey.
Soon the removal of car mode from Google Maps?
But it could very soon disappear, according to an article published by our colleagues at 9to5Google. The latter dissected a beta version of the application (numbered 14.52). In the source code, certain lines reveal clues about a probable removal of Car Mode which would take place in the coming months.
Two lines are particularly important. One of them indicates the date from which the mode will no longer be available: February 2024. The other line is used to inform users that the mode has been removed and is replaced by a series of voice commands. This means that all interactions with Maps will, as soon as this update is pushed, go through Google Assistant uniquely.
The removal of car mode has not been made official by the American firm. And the update containing these lines of code is still in beta. It is therefore possible that, between now and its deployment, Google will reverse this decision. And that won’t seem like a bad idea to us. This interface is very practical: you have an optimized interface which considerably reduces the chances of being distracted when you are behind the wheel.
Source: 9to5Google