autoevolution
 

Unannounced Google Maps Change on Android Auto Makes Traffic Information Almost Useless

One of the most useful features bundled with Google Maps is the traffic information it displays on both Android and iPhone, with users, therefore, being able to anticipate the conditions much more accurately.
Thin traffic lines on Android Auto 6 photos
Photo: Google forums
Navigation directions for cycling on Google MapsNavigation directions for cycling on Google MapsNavigation directions for cycling on Google MapsNavigation directions for cycling on Google MapsNavigation directions for cycling on Google Maps
Just like Waze, Google Maps uses a very simple approach to display traffic details on the map: it employs colored lines that are shown on top of the roads.

A green line, for instance, means you’re almost the only driver on the road, while a red line indicates you’re about to enter a traffic jam with bumper-to-bumper traffic.

However, an unannounced change that some users are now coming across is making these traffic lines almost useless for users on Android and Android Auto. And it’s all because the lines are much thinner now, so it’s very hard to see them on the display of the mobile device or the head unit.

The Mountain View-based search giant hasn’t announced this mysterious update, so users are gradually noticing it, with some complaining here on Google’s forums that observing the traffic conditions is much harder now.

The lines on my Maps have absolutely gotten WAY thinner about 3 weeks ago and it is driving me absolutely crazy! I use Android auto as well, and it is even worse. The traffic lines are so thin, they are barely noticeable, and the traffic lines on smaller streets are broken up, and extremely tiny to can't even see them unless you squint your eyes,” someone says on the forums.

For some reason, clearing the cache and the data in Google Maps brings the classic traffic lines back to the application, but on the other hand, this only does the trick for a very limited number of users.

For others, nothing seems to work, which means Google is the only one that can now fix this blunder and make the traffic information easy to use again.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories