Another historical piece of Android experience is preparing to disappear, Google has in fact Officially confirmed the removal of the guidance mode of the Google Maps assistant on Android; The decision, anticipated by several signals in recent weeks, is part of a larger renewal plan that will see Gemini replace Google Assistant by the end of 2025.
An announced farewell son of the evolution of the Google ecosystem
Announced in 2019, the assistant driving mode was born with the ambition to offer a smart solution, designed specifically for those who used the phone as a navigator, actually replacing the version of Android Auto for mobile screens.
Initially, as many of you will remember, the function was presented with a real dashboard: quick access to calls, messages, media and navigation control, all in a simple and optimized interface for driving.
However, the progressive downsizing had already started in 2024, very popular apps had in fact been removed, reducing the mode to a simple lower bar; That bar, which still allowed a comfortable access to Google Assistant’s voice commands and multimedia controls, remained the last trace of that experience.
Today, even that small tool has left room for changes.
With the removal of the driving mode, Google now invites users to Use the assistant button located in the upper right corner of Google Maps; Through this button, however, it will be possible to give useful voice commands during driving, such as the search for service stations, alternative paths or other destinations.
As for calls and incoming messages, it will be necessary to rely on the native notifications of the device. Finally, music lovers will be able to continue to manage reproduction by activating the option “Show multimedia reproduction controls”Reachable following the path Maps settings -> Navigationan alternative solution even if less integrated than in the past.
It should be noted that the driving mode was closely connected to Google Assistant and the Google app, considering that the assistant will be officially replaced by Gemini by the end of the year, it was now inevitable that this type of experience would no longer receive updates or be maintained.
The removal of the driving mode inevitably raises some questions about how Google’s approach will change to the management of navigation and vocal interactions in the car; If it is true that Gemini promises an even more advanced experience thanks to artificial intelligence, it is not yet clear what functions will be designed specifically for driving, a context that requires reactivity, safety and minimalism in the interface.
We will therefore have to patient a little more, waiting to find out how Google also intends to evolve this fundamental aspect of its mobile platform.
