In 2022, Google announced it was killing the Assistant Driving Mode that provided a “Dashboard” homescreen. This left another optimized UI in Google Maps for Android, which was also called “Driving Mode,” but that’s now also facing deprecation in February 2024.
About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.
The latest Google app (version 14.52) contains the following strings:
- <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>
We believe that this refers to the remaining “Driving Mode” in Google Maps for Android. The feature that Google previously killed was known as the “Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard.” This provided a homescreen with a map, media suggestions, audio controls, as well as calling and texting shortcuts. This was meant to replace Android Auto for Phone Screens, though most users perceived it as a downgrade.
Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard vs. Google Maps Driving Mode
In comparison, the Google Maps Driving Mode is accessed after starting driving navigation and appears as a black bar at the bottom of your phone screen. There’s quick access to Assistant, Google Maps, and a launcher for compatible music, podcast, audiobook, and other streaming apps, as well as an optimized media UI with large touch targets.
Top comment by Zargh
Another case where Google's search division forcibly took the reigns from the Android team then massively pivots and/or shuts it down (citing low usage/low priority). This phone-based functionality should've stayed in the Android Auto app, it complemented the full-fat Android Auto by widening the market for Auto apps.
Even though Automotive OS/Android Auto have substantial marketshare, there was no need to completely abandon the phones ACTION_ENTER_CAR_MODE intent/UI mode.
Back in 2022, Google said it was focusing on the Maps Driving Mode and found that most people were using this experience over the Dashboard. With this going away, users might be directed to just the Google Maps navigation mode (below) — “Hey Google, launch driving mode,” which rolled out faster voice input powered by Assistant in June.
The strings describing the deprecation are not yet live today.
Thanks to JEB Decompiler, from which some APK Insight teardowns benefit.
Dylan Roussel contributed to this article.
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