News
Goodbye to Google’s driving mode? That seems to be the case
This is one of the most useful tools of Android to date.

- December 29, 2023
- Updated: July 2, 2025 at 12:19 AM

Millions of people use this mode daily to go to work, to university or to the beach. It doesn’t matter where you go, what matters is knowing how to get there and Google always knows how to take us to places.
Google Maps driving mode is one of the most practical features of the application. Whether you are driving yourself or with someone else, it can always be useful, as it allows for a much more comfortable navigation, with a simpler interface and voice commands.
However, if the latest information is accurate, we could say goodbye to it in the future. 9to5Google has discovered two strings in the Google app, and they believe that Google Maps driving mode could disappear soon.
A secret discovered by engineers
The first mentions an unspecified “view” function that will cease to exist in February 2024.
Regarding the second string, it reads: “to make calls, send messages or play multimedia content while browsing, tap the microphone to use Assistant”, looking at the code, it seems that Google is willing to get rid of the driving mode in Google Maps, and instead, wants users to use Assistant while navigating and driving.
This makes sense, as having audio interactions can be useful while driving, but in terms of functionality, especially when it comes to proper navigation, it only degrades the overall experience.
As someone who regularly uses driving mode in Google Maps most of the time, I believe it is one of the best features of the application as it makes navigation very easy and simple.
However, without this feature, many drivers could find themselves in a bind because they would have to look at the screen from time to time, especially if they are navigating through an unfamiliar area.
Journalist specialized in technology, entertainment and video games. Writing about what I'm passionate about (gadgets, games and movies) allows me to stay sane and wake up with a smile on my face when the alarm clock goes off. PS: this is not true 100% of the time.
Latest from Chema Carvajal Sarabia
You may also like
- News
'Catwoman' not only killed DC in cinema for years. It also destroyed a legendary video game studio
Read more
- News
Disney stopped this adaptation of one of its best animated films. Now it has restarted it
Read more
- News
Game Pass announces the first batch of games for October, including two classic RPGs and the most anticipated action game of the year
Read more
- News
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt have a special chemistry on screen, and this classic available on Disney+ proves it
Read more
- News
EA alienates its community again with an overpriced cosmetic pack, this time in skate
Read more
- News
Sigourney Weaver was about to not appear in one of the Alien movies, but her director prevented it
Read more