Google Removes Assistant 'Driving Mode': What It Means for Android Users

Google Removes Assistant 'Driving Mode': What It Means for Android Users

Google has officially confirmed the removal of the Assistant "Driving Mode" from Google Maps on Android. If you’ve recently noticed the disappearance of the familiar bar that used to appear at the bottom of your screen while navigating, you’re not alone. Google’s decision to phase out this feature is part of a broader shift, as the company plans to replace Google Assistant with Gemini later in 2025.                                      Image : Google Many users were first introduced to Assistant Driving Mode in 2019, designed to replace Android Auto for phone screens. Initially, the feature offered a rich dashboard that made navigating, controlling media, and using apps like Spotify, Waze, YouTube Music, and Telegram seamless and accessible while driving. However, in 2024, the experience was pared down significantly, with many apps being removed from the interface, leaving just a simple bar for accessing Google Assistant and media controls. Now, with the full removal of this fe…