Google Maps: Google may ‘kill’ this Maps feature on Android in 2024

Google announced its decision to shut down the Assistant Driving Mode feature of Maps in 2020. This feature offered users a “Dashboard” in the home screen which included a map, media suggestions, audio controls, as well as calling and texting shortcuts. This was meant to be replaced by Android Auto for phone screens. However, most users took it as a downgrade. This left Google Maps for Android with another optimised UI in which was also called the “Driving Mode”. However, this feature is also expected to go away in 2024.

According to a report by 9to5Google, the latest Google app (version 14.52) contains code strings that suggest that the Google Maps feature will be removed in February 2024. Here’s what the codes look like:

• <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>

What is Google Maps “Driving Mode”
Compared to the “Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard” feature, Google Maps’ Driving Mode can be accessed after starting driving navigation. It appears as a black bar at the bottom of the phone screen and offers quick access to Assistant, Google Maps and a launcher for compatible music, podcast, audiobook as well as other streaming apps. This mode also offers an optimised media UI that shows large touch targets.

How will it affect users
In 2022, Google said it was focusing on the Maps Driving Mode. The company found that most people were using this experience over the Dashboard. With this feature going away, Google may direct users to just access the Google Maps navigation mode with “Hey Google, launch driving mode.” In June, this feature also received an update for faster voice input powered by Assistant.