Removal of Assistant ‘Driving Mode’ by Google

 Google Assistant 'Driving Mode' is no more available in Maps for Android

Google has officially confirmed that the Assistant “Driving Mode” bar that appears at the bottom of Google Maps navigation on Android is no longer available. Google gives, and Google takes away, and this time we are definitely in the latter territory. While it was not immediately clear whether or not the disappearance of the Assistant Driving Mode from Maps was just a momentary hiccup, Google has now confirmed its intentions. The company explicitly acknowledges that this removal was deliberate. Following are the some of the important points:-

Android users can no longer access Google Assistant Driving Mode.

It’s not clear if this is a mistake or intentional removal.

The feature has gone missing in the Google app and on Maps.

The company says that the removal in recent weeks is tied to how Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant later this year. First announced in 2019, Assistant Driving Mode was created to replace Android Auto for Phone Screens. It originally had a rich Dashboard and app-like experiences for media and navigation. In 2024, Waze, YouTube Music, Play Books, Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Telegram and others were removed. Unsurprisingly, this is a consequence of Google’s wind-down of Assistant as it pushes Gemini to replace it across its device ecosystem.

Last year, Google removed the app launcher from Assistant Driving Mode, reducing the feature to a simple voice bar. Given the company’s plans to phase out Google Assistant, the depreciation of this feature isn’t that big of a surprise. What is a surprise, however, is that Driving Mode seems to be gone completely now, without an alternative to replace it. What remained was essentially a bar at the bottom of the screen which lets you access Google Assistant and media controls.

Google Assistant Driving Mode can no longer be accessed in Maps for Android. Driving Mode has reportedly disappeared on the latest stable versions of Maps and the Google app. It’s unclear if the feature was removed by mistake or intentionally. This convenient interface has now been removed, with Google pointing users to the Assistant button in the top-right corner for map-related commands, like finding gas stations or different routes. Meanwhile, users are directed to device notifications for incoming calls and texts, while you can get a FAB (floating action button) for music apps if you enable Maps Settings > Navigation > Show media playback controls.

If you’re unfamiliar with this feature, it would appear as a black bar at the bottom of your screen when using the Maps app. You could use it to have Assistant read messages, notify you of calls and control media. It’s a pretty handy feature for those who don’t want to take their hands off the wheel to navigate their phone. Behind-the-scenes, Driving Mode is powered by Google Assistant (and the Google app). Assistant on Android is being replaced by Gemini later this year, with this experience not making its way over. While it’s unknown if the feature will be restored, we do know that Gemini will eventually land on Android Auto and Android Automotive. Google has included this as one of the topics it will discuss during I/O 2025, which is scheduled for 20 May to 21 May for all.