Google has officially confirmed that the Assistant “Driving Mode” bar that appears at the bottom of Google Maps navigation on Android is no longer available.
The company tells NewGeekGuide that the removal in recent weeks is tied to how Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant later this year.
First announced in 2019, Assistant Driving Mode was created to replace Android Auto for Phone Screens. It originally had a rich Dashboard and app-like experiences for media and navigation. In 2024, Waze, YouTube Music, Play Books, Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Telegram, and others were removed.
What remained was essentially a bar at the bottom of the screen that lets you access Google Assistant and media controls.
That convenient interface has now been removed, with Google pointing users to the Assistant button in the top-right corner for map-related commands, like finding gas stations or different routes. Meanwhile, users are directed to device notifications for incoming calls and texts, while you can get a FAB (floating action button) for music apps if you enable Maps Settings > Navigation > Show media playback controls.
Behind-the-scenes, Driving Mode is powered by Google Assistant (and the Google app). Assistant on Android is being replaced by Gemini later this year, with this experience not making its way over.
More on Google Maps:
- Google Maps rolling out full sheet redesign on Android
- Google Maps redesigns directions overview with arrival time on Android
- Gemini in Google Maps will find places saved in your screenshots
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