Your vehicle is not compatible with Android Auto? Good news for Google Maps fans. Google Assistant’s driving mode now allows you to control your phone by voice without taking your eyes off the road.
Use Google Assistant’s driving mode
Studies show that the smartphone is a source of distraction. But in the car, it’s important to stay focused and avoid taking your eyes off the road. That’s why Google has adapted its mobile operating system to our vehicles via Android Auto.
As a reminder, this device allows you to display the Android interface and take advantage of several applications directly on your vehicle’s dashboard screen. It should be noted that only recent models support this new device.
If you don’t plan to change your vehicle in the next few months, nothing is lost. Google Assistant’s Driving Mode, introduced at the 2019 I/O (the annual developer conference hosted by Google at its Montain View, California, facility), is intended to replace Android Auto.
Enable Driving Mode on Android
Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure your Android phone is up to date. As a reminder, Google Assistant’s Driving Mode is available on devices running Android 9 (or higher) and with at least 4GB of Ram.
- Launch the Google app
- Click on the More button located in the upper right corner
- Select the Settings option
- Then click on the Google Assistant section
- Scroll down
- Select the move around option
- Press the Driving Mode button
- Activate the function by sliding the switch to the right
No surprise, the interface is very voice-activated. The toolbar at the bottom of Google Maps only displays three icons (microphone, applications and settings). It’s hard to get more streamlined.
The driving mode is automatically activated in Google Maps as soon as you start navigating to an address. Beware, your phone must be positioned in portrait mode. Then press the four squares in the bottom right corner of the window to open the list of applications compatible with the driving mode