Google Shuts Down Driving Mode, Users Are Redirected To Use Google Maps App

JAKARTA - Google has finally turned off the Driving Mode feature, in a standalone dashboard powered by Google Assistant. This is a feature that offers quick access to audio controls, contacts, navigation, and other shortcuts while the user is on the road.

According to a report from 9to5Google, the feature was first announced by Google at I/O in 2019, and wasn't officially launched until last year, but now Google has discontinued it on November 21.

The standalone version of Driving Mode is not the same as the Driving Mode feature built into Google Maps, which automatically boots once you start navigation. As Mishaal Rahman of Esper points out, Google added an Assistant Driving Mode to Maps even before releasing the standalone Driving Mode.

The only difference between the two is that users can access the standalone version by saying a voice command like "Hey Google, launch Driving Mode," or by tapping the Driving Mode shortcut on the phone's home screen.

Once Driving Mode is turned off, users just need to access its features by starting navigation on Google Maps, which many users may have done.

Turning it off is a little disappointing for those who may not have a car with a digital navigation hub that supports Android Auto. The standalone Driving Mode service is supposed to replace Google's discontinued "Android Auto for Phone Screens" app with Android 12.