Arabella Asis Tech 01.31.2024 21:Jan PM EST

Google Assistant Driving Mode Bids Goodbye to Users Starting February

Google Assistant Driving Mode is officially shutting down this February after the company started to remove dozens of features from Google Assistant.

Last year, 9to5Google discovered that Google was planning to eliminate the service from the Google app version 14.52 in December 2023.

Google Assistant Driving Mode is No Longer Integrated with Maps — (Photo : Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

Google Assistant Driving Mode Removal Rolls Out

Some users are reportedly seeing a notice on their home screen upon opening the Driving Mode, stating "This view is going away in February." For now, users can easily dismiss the information by tapping the x button with it.

As of writing, there is no clear explanation as to why Google is terminating the Assistant Driving Mode feature. Given that the notice had only started appearing, it is estimated that the feature will officially shut down later in the month to give users enough time.

Meanwhile, there is also a possibility that other parts of it will remain available, such as the music controls, since the notice only appears on the home screen of Driving Mode.

The Google Assistant Driving Mode allows users to complete tasks without interrupting the driver. Using voice commands, drivers were able to read and send messages, make calls, and control media.

Google Assistant Redesigns on Android Auto

With the Driving Mode feature meeting its end this month, Google Assistant is reportedly getting redesigned for Android Auto. The bottom bar will now show a text prompt "Hi, how can I help you?" tag if the driver does not speak immediately.

Once the user speaks, Google will transcribe the prompt on the bar and the Assistant will read aloud the replies but will not be shown on screen. In addition, the Assistant is also improving its voice replies on Android Auto.

Drivers can speak and see the transcription of their message along with a "cancel" or "send" button. Next to it will be the profile picture with the name of the person you are contacting and the small icon of the app you are using to communicate.