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Google announced in 2022 that it would be discontinuing the Assistant Driving Mode that provided a "Dashboard" homescreen. This decision also affects the optimized UI in Google Maps for Android, which is known as "Driving Mode," and is set to be deprecated in February 2024. In a recent "APK Insight" post, we have decompiled the latest version of a Google app uploaded to the Play Store. By examining the code, we have discovered hints of possible future features. However, it's important to note that these features may or may not be released by Google, and our interpretation may not be completely accurate

Nevertheless, we will try to enable those features that are closer to completion to give you an idea of how they will look if they are indeed shipped. The strings found in the latest Google app (version 14.52) seem to reference the remaining "Driving Mode" in Google Maps for Android. The previously discontinued feature was known as the "Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard." It offered a homescreen with a map, media suggestions, audio controls, as well as calling and texting shortcuts. It was intended to replace Android Auto for Phone Screens, but many users saw it as a downgrade. In contrast, the Google Maps Driving Mode is accessible after initiating driving navigation and appears as a black bar at the bottom of the phone screen. It provides quick access to Assistant, Google Maps, and a launcher for compatible music, podcast, audiobook, and other streaming apps

Additionally, it offers an optimized media UI with large touch targets. Google decided to focus on the Maps Driving Mode after finding that most users preferred this experience over the Dashboard. With the discontinuation of the Dashboard, users might be directed to use only the Google Maps navigation mode. Alternatively, they can use voice input powered by Assistant by saying, "Hey Google, launch driving mode," which was introduced in June. The strings that describe the deprecation of the feature are not yet active. We would like to express our gratitude to JEB Decompiler, which has been instrumental in the teardowns conducted for our APK Insight articles. This article was contributed to by Dylan Roussel. Stay up to date with the latest news about Google and its ecosystem by reading 9to5Google. Our team of experts consistently brings you breaking news, day after day

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