When you’re driving and receive a message, Android Auto ensures you’re informed by providing notifications and reading messages aloud. While this is convenient for a few messages, the constant influx of group messages can become bothersome. The read-aloud feature, in such instances, may be more disruptive than helpful, potentially diverting your attention from the road.
Fortunately, Google appears to be addressing this concern, and a new feature may be on the horizon to alleviate the issue. In a recent APK Insight post, the team at 9To5Google discovered that Android Auto is poised to leverage Google Assistant to summarize your messages. Noteworthy is the use of AI in this process, as Android Auto will employ artificial intelligence to condense the messages. During the setup, users will encounter a warning message, stating, “These summaries will be generated by artificial intelligence, so it’s possible there could be mistakes.” This indicates a proactive step to manage expectations regarding the AI-driven message summarization feature.
The codes for this upcoming feature were spotted in the Android Auto Android app v14.52
Android Auto users will soon have the flexibility to disable the new Google Assistant AI feature that summarizes messages. This option can be accessed through the Android Auto Settings menu, giving users control over whether they want to utilize the message summarization functionality. The inclusion of code snippets pointing to this feature was identified in the Android app version 14.52. It’s important to note that this version of the Android Auto app is currently in beta, and there is no definitive information on when this feature will officially roll out.
While various Google products already provide users with the ability to summarize messages, the closest comparison to the upcoming Android Auto feature is found in Google Chat. Google Chat allows users to recap Spaces, aiding in catching up with the flow of a group conversation. This forthcoming Android Auto feature aligns with Google’s broader efforts to enhance user experience and customization across its product ecosystem.
Google Maps ‘Driving Mode’ may be discontinued in 2024
Following the discontinuation of the ‘Assistant Driving Mode’ in 2022, Google Maps is now poised to phase out the ‘Driving Mode’ feature from its Android app. According to insights gleaned from an APK analysis, strings of code suggest that Google Maps Driving Mode will officially cease to exist in February 2024. The latest version of the Google Maps app, v14.52, contains indicators that the Driving Mode optimized user interface is scheduled for removal from the Android app.
This move comes after the removal of the Google Maps ‘Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard,’ which featured a homescreen with a map, media suggestions, audio controls, as well as calling and texting functions. Originally intended to serve as a replacement for Android Auto on phone screens, the reception from users was less than favorable.
The strings of code indicating the removal of Google Maps Driving Mode aren’t live yet
Unlike the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard, the Google Maps Driving Mode activates once the user initiates navigation and presents itself as a black bar at the bottom of the vehicle’s display. The user interface of Google Maps Driving Mode features convenient access to Assistant, Google Maps, and a launcher for displaying compatible music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other supported streaming apps, as reported by 9To5Google. Designed with driving in mind, the UI is optimized with large buttons to facilitate easier control while on the road.
Here are the strings of codes that indicate that Google Maps Driving Mode will be removed in 2024:
- <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>
In 2022, Google highlighted the popularity of the Driving Mode on vehicle screens and expressed a commitment to emphasizing this feature. However, with the gradual discontinuation of this capability, users of Google Maps may find themselves depending more on the standard Google Maps navigation mode.