Only that it continues to be offered to Americans exclusively, so if you noticed Google’s tweets and you live in another country, then we’re sorry, but you can’t try out the new driving mode.
“Preview Google Assistant driving mode in Maps on your #Android phone, rolling out now in the U.S. Easily access what you need for your drive and quickly get things done all while keeping your focus on the road,” Google tweeted using the main Android account. “Now you can keep your focus on navigating while more easily answering calls and messages, without leaving Google Maps. Try the new Google Assistant driving mode on Android in the US,” it later added using the Google Maps account.
The driving mode is, without a doubt, a big update, and many expect this new experience to replace Android Auto for phones sooner or later.
Its interface is very similar to the one currently used by Android Auto for phones, and while Google Maps is the core of the app, users are also provided with large buttons to access essential features that make sense behind the wheel, such as phone calls, music players, and messaging.
Needless to say, Google Assistant also comes built-in in order to provide hands-free interaction with voice commands, though right now, it doesn’t look like Google plans to allow other navigation apps besides Google Maps.
There’s still no ETA as to when the new driving mode could launch in other countries.
Preview Google Assistant driving mode in Maps on your #Android phone, rolling out now in the U.S. Easily access what you need for your drive and quickly get things done all while keeping your focus on the road. Learn more: https://t.co/5wEvwlaJrj pic.twitter.com/ACZia4MSKO
— Android (@Android) January 11, 2021
Now you can keep your focus on navigating while more easily answering calls and messages, without leaving Google Maps.
— Google Maps (@googlemaps) January 11, 2021
Try the new Google Assistant driving mode on Android in the US.
Learn more → https://t.co/VNu92FXHLw pic.twitter.com/vnmlkDFfwc