The long and endless saga that is the Google Assistant driving mode could finally be coming to an end.
Google has outlined its in-car information strategy for the fall, confirming that it is finally committing to a launch window for smartphone-based driving mode.
Google says the feature will roll out in the coming weeks in the US, Canada, Ireland, India, and other countries. Once available, drivers can say a phrase like “Ok Google, let’s drive” to start the system. If you currently say this phrase, the operating system sends you to Google Maps, where you will see the AssistantDriving mode application launcher, but nothing else.
Once driving mode starts, it takes over your screen and transforms into a simpler, distraction-free interface. This includes large touch targets for buttons and restricted access to most applications. This time around, the user interface (UI) is designed to be accessed through voice first.
While I’d say the new UI looks better than the phone-based version of Android Auto, it’s not what Google showed in 2019. It also matches the in-car Android Auto interface that appears when you plug in your phone, which it’s a nice touch.
What is less clear is what kind of update this new user interface requires. For example, will this be something that only Android 12 users can use, or will it roll back to an older version of the operating system through an app like Android Auto did in its early days?
Source: Google