Google to shut down its Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard

Google will be shutting down the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard. Google is expected to shut down the entire Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard next month. However, Driving Mode, another name for the car-optimised experience in Google Maps for Android, will continue to exist.

This home screen features media suggestions and quick access to audio controls, as well as shortcuts for calling and texting. This was accessed by either a home screen shortcut or “Hey Google, launch driving mode.”

The car-optimized experience in Google Maps for Android, which Google also refers to as Driving Mode, will remain. The company is focusing on that and finds that most people are using just that anyways.

Shortcuts for calling and messaging are included on the homescreen, along with audio controls and media choices. Shortcuts can be accessed, after starting the driving navigation. It has a black bar with Assistant access and a grid of app icons for YouTube Music, Google Podcasts, and other compatible streaming services.

In 2019, Google announced to roll out a voice-enabled driving mode on Assistant that would not only personalise suggestions for navigation, messages, calling and media, but also bring all relevant activities front and centre.