Google has tried several times to create a functional car interface for smartphones, but each time they seem to fail. The effort includes both existing product features and individual apps like Android Auto for Phone Screens. But these mixed fortunes didn’t stop the people at Googleplex from trying. Google still offers a car-centric mobile UI with Google Maps Driving Mode.
Let’s take a look at how Google has fared so far in the area of car-friendly phone interfaces. Let’s take a look at what went wrong and what we plan to do when creating a great driving interface on a mobile phone.
Android Auto for phone screen
A beloved but short-lived first attempt
Source: Google
Google released Android Auto in 2015, an app that allows smartphones to communicate with compatible head units and in-car infotainment systems. Android Auto was updated in late 2016 and now you can use his Android Auto in any car using a completely new interface on your smartphone. Android Auto for your phone screen.
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This was especially useful for people who wanted to experience Android Auto but didn’t have access to a compatible vehicle, as vehicle availability was still limited. Google touted Android Auto for Phone Screens as a driver-friendly interface that allows you to access all the important features you need on the road, including directions, communications, and music without getting distracted while driving.
The functionality is similar to what you’d find on in-car displays in supported vehicles, and while the UI may look a little clunky by today’s standards, it was easy enough to deploy and got the job done.
Source: Google
Android Auto received a major update in 2019, but the phone interface was effectively left behind at that point. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before the app was retired, but in June 2022, Google officially retired the Android Auto for Phone Screens app to make way for the newly launched Google Assistant driving mode. As a result, it was finally abolished.
The app’s early demise was attributed to factors such as low adoption and a focus on the in-car experience, which influenced the direction of Google’s subsequent efforts to develop similar in-vehicle interfaces. It’s just a decision. At this time, the Android Auto for Phone Screens app is completely broken.
Google Assistant driving mode
Lots of promises, but unimpressive results
In May 2019, Google announced the addition of unique driving modes to its voice-controlled assistant app on phones. Personalization and convenience were top priorities, and the driving mode dashboard was supposed to show tailored suggestions for navigation, messages, calls, and media. The new mode was planned to work directly on the mobile phone, without requiring any special integration with the car, but could be activated automatically when connected to his Bluetooth in the car.
One of the ways to make your life easier was through voice commands to play music or answer calls while navigating. Google even promised that you could use Assistant to control your car remotely on some models. The release date was set for the summer of 2019, and everyone held their breath as the day approached and passed without any sign of anyone’s Google Assistant showing the driving modes.
The delay was familiar to longtime Google fans, but in November 2020, more than a year after it was first announced, it looked like Driving Modes would finally be made available to the public. The world has changed a lot in his year, and as it turns out, his driving mode has gotten worse as well.
First, it’s now integrated directly within the Google Maps app, rather than being a standalone experience as previously announced. Customization options were removed, and one of the features many of us were looking forward to, the home screen and dedicated launcher, were gone. Voice controls for navigation and hands-free controls for calls and messaging were still present, but the execution was underwhelming compared to what was promised at Google I/O 2019.
The 2021 update reintroduced the home screen, but Assistant Driving Mode suffered from the same issues as its spiritual predecessor, the Android Auto for Phone Screens app. Low adoption rates and a change in Google’s focus hit again hard, with Google announcing in October 2022 that it would be completely removing Driving Assistant mode.
Google Maps driving mode
Evolution or conclusion?
After Google retired Assistant driving mode, driving mode within the Google Maps app became the default experience. This particular driving mode is a much more reduced feature, with the lack of a dashboard being the most obvious omission. Even though it’s already so unassuming that many people use it every day without even realizing it, Google seems intent on simplifying and neutralizing it even further.
In its current state, it appears as a black bar at the bottom of the screen and launches automatically when you turn on navigation. For what it’s worth, this driving mode offers limited media and music controls along with voice integration for hands-free operation, and is also user-friendly with large buttons, a feature that’s been present since the beginning. It also maintains a clean interface.
But continuing its trend of deprecating features that people have come to love, Google removed the app launcher within Driving Mode this month. It’s anyone’s guess what the company plans to do with this updated version of its car interface. phone.
What will the future hold?
Something is wrong, or maybe nothing at all.
Car infotainment systems have come a long way since their inception, and modern car screens have become integral to car functionality and user experience. Google knows this and is gradually shifting its focus to in-car experiences, including built-in Android Auto.
Another possibility is that Google is working on a completely different new interface for smartphones. More than a decade after Google acquired the transportation and navigation app Waze, the company has gradually begun integrating its mapping products, with the Waze and Maps teams merging in February 2023 in the name of cost-cutting. Ta. Google continues to insist that Waze and Google Maps remain separate platforms, but it would be a huge shock to see a new feature that combines the best of both worlds.
Until that happens, we need to utilize whatever is left in driving mode. However, you can’t fault Google for its efforts. Perhaps one day Google will be able to develop an in-vehicle interface for mobile phones that lasts for more than a few years.
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