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<h2 id="what-you-need-to-know-3">What you need to know</h2><ul><li>Version 14.52 of the Google app suggests significant changes in Google Maps, particularly the removal of the app's "Driving Mode" on Android by February 2024.</li><li>A string hints at Google steering users towards using Assistant for calling, messaging, or media playback during navigation.</li><li>While audio-only interactions are theoretically safer, there are concerns that this change marks a downgrade, especially for those averse to voice assistants.</li></ul><hr></hr><p>Google Maps might be throwing "Driving Mode" out the window on its Android app, following last year's discontinuation of the "Assistant Driving Mode."</p><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-url="https://9to5google.com/2023/12/27/google-maps-driving-mode-going-away/" href="https://9to5google.com/2023/12/27/google-maps-driving-mode-going-away/" target="_blank">9to5Google</a> did some snooping in version 14.52 of the Google app and found some code that spills the beans. In classic Google fashion, it looks like <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/google-maps" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/google-maps">Google Maps</a>' Driving Mode might be waving goodbye in February 2024, based on the strings uncovered.</p><p>A certain "view" mentioned in one of the strings is supposed to disappear next month. This view is a bit of a mystery for now, but it appears to be the main screen you see when using Driving Mode, which currently makes navigation a breeze and safer. </p><p>It was meant to be the replacement for the Assistant Driving Mode, which <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/assistant-driving-mode-dashboard-shutting-down" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/assistant-driving-mode-dashboard-shutting-down">lost its Dashboard view last year</a>. That feature had a neat home screen with a map, media tips, audio controls, and even calling and texting features.</p><p>On the other hand, Driving Mode kicks into action only when you start navigating. It comes in the form of a sleek black bar at the bottom of your phone's screen. This nifty setup gives you quick access to Assistant and big, handy buttons for your music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-streaming-music-apps-android" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-streaming-music-apps-android">streaming apps</a>.</p><p>This deprecation might force drivers to settle for the plain navigation mode activated by a simple "Hey Google, launch driving mode" command. Additionally, there's the revamped voice controls courtesy of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/google-assistant" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/google-assistant">Assistant</a>. One of the strings notes that you'll be directed to the mic icon to summon Assistant for calls, messages, or media playback while driving.</p><p>Sure, going all-in on audio for safety sounds like a brilliant idea on paper, but others may view this as a step back in the functionality aspect. There's a whole squad out there that just dislikes the idea of chatting up a voice assistant.</p>
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<div id="slice-container-authorBio-zgA8QJa4nkuL8d8uNXnPxA"><div><p>Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech and apps for as long as he can remember, and he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via Twitter or LinkedIn.</p></div></div>



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