The Assistant “Driving Mode” indicator that shows at the bottom of Google Maps navigation on Android has been officially acknowledged to be unavailable by Google.
The elimination in recent weeks is reportedly related to Gemini’s planned replacement of Google Assistant later this year.
Assistant Driving Mode was first introduced in 2019 as a replacement for Android Auto on phone screens. At first, it featured a sophisticated dashboard with media and navigation experiences like to those of an app. Waze, Spotify, Pandora, Play Books, Podcasts, YouTube Music, Telegram, and others were taken down in 2024.
All that was left was a bar at the bottom of the screen that provides access to media controls and Google Assistant.
With the removal of that handy interface, Google now directs users to the Assistant button in the upper-right corner for map-related functions, such as locating gas stations or alternative routes. If you enable Maps Settings > Navigation > Show media playback controls, you can receive a floating action button (FAB) for music apps. In the meantime, users are redirected to device notifications for incoming calls and messages.
Behind the scenes, Google Assistant powers Driving Mode. Later this year, Gemini will replace Assistant for Android, and this experience won’t be carried over.
