The options offered in Google Maps They are truly vast, so much so that one could hardly have imagined all that is possible with the map development of the Mountain View company. And, in truth, the development continues to include new features, such as Driving Mode, which is already beginning to be deployed globally.
Thus, this functionality - which was already present in the US and which has turned out to be effective and well received by users - can now be used. Everywhere in which Google Maps is present. Good news as it clearly helps driving because with Driving Mode the interaction required to use the developments is less.
And what does the functionality that is being deployed offer? Well, something so simple, but at the same time complex, like the being able to navigate with Google Maps without having to enter the destination in any moment. Through recommendations that are based on driving history and that take into account options such as the calendar, criteria are established that are used by the development.
In addition, the terminal screen is divided into two parts to display as much information as possible. At the top you can see the state of the traffic near your location so that you can take alternative routes if you wish. At the bottom, the usual GPS navigation is shown; with an arrow representing the exact position in which you are with the car.
Without having to update
If you have the latest version of Google Maps that is in the Play Store (we leave the download link after this paragraph), Activation of Driving Mode is done automatically and you do not have to get any APK or wait for the notification from the Mountain View store to enjoy this way of navigating the maps -the code and everything you need are already from the game-. Therefore, everything is really simple.
To access the new functionality that we are talking about, you simply have to use the side menu that opens when you click on the icon called "hamburger" in the upper left - which has three horizontal lines as a drawing. Once this is done, you see the option available that you have to press (in some regions, such as Spain, the name is Start driving). In this way, you will enjoy the recommendations of Google Maps.
What is driving mode and how does it work?
The driving mode is designed for use in the carWith a simplified interface, large buttons, and direct access to the essentials: navigation, calls, messages, and music. launch from the Google Assistant and opens Google Maps with a view optimized to minimize distractions. On many Android phones it works as an alternative to Android Auto on your phone and it's available as long as you have Google Maps and the Assistant set up.
This mode allows Start browsing without a destination.showing nearby traffic, points of interest, and a visible shortcut to set a destination when you need to. Google has been simplifying the interface with a bottom bar that displays the microphone on the left, access to settings on the right, and, depending on the case, a central icon for control compatible multimedia apps.
Step-by-step setup and activation
- From Google MapsSettings > Navigation settings > Google Assistant settings. You can there activate driving mode and decide when it starts automatically.
- When to start it:
- When you navigate on Google Maps: is activated when you start browsing.
- When you connect to the car's Bluetooth: you can choose start automatically, ask before starting o do nothing.
- Alternative system routeDevice settings > Google > Google app settings > Search, Assistant & voice > Google Assistant > Transport > Driving mode.
- voice command: say “Hey Google, let's drive"" or "Hey Google, I want to go to [location]". The Assistant will ask for the destination and you can start with the voice or with a touch.
- No fixed destination: from the tab Ir pulsa View traffic data for your area and then start navigation en Driving mode.
On-the-go use: interface, controls, and useful commands
In navigation you will see a bottom bar with microphone, settings and, where applicable, access to playback controlsThe menu button provides access to calls, posts y music apps adapted. To read messages, activate Display messages in driving mode and grants permission to access to notifications to the Google app.
Examples What you can ask the Assistant while driving:
- Navigation: “Go to ”, “What’s the next turn?”, “How long will it take to get there?”, “Recenter”, “Exit navigation”.
- Traffic and map: “What’s the traffic like?”, “Show traffic”/“Hide traffic”, “Show satellite view”/“Hide satellite view”, “Show route summary”, “Show alternative routes”.
- Route preferences"Avoid tolls", "Avoid highways", or "Do not avoid".
- Context"What road is this?", "Where am I?", "What is my destination?", "How far away is my destination?", "Help".
- Contacts and messages"Call [name]", "Send a text message to [name]", "Read my messages". The Assistant will tell you It will ask if you want to answer. when a call comes in.
- Nearby places: “Nearby gas stations”, “Nearby restaurants”, “What time does it close?”.
- Music: “Put it on”, “Put it on”.
Road safety and offline maps
La to maximise security and your enjoyment. It's a priority: avoid using your phone while driving. The DGT reminds us that Using a mobile phone while driving is a serious offensewith a financial penalty and loss of points. Take advantage of the voice commandsConfigure everything before starting and keep the phone in a stable support.
If your car uses map data via VMS (Vehicle Map Services)Google Maps can provide information for driving assistance features such as Speed limits or support to speed controleven offline. To ensure availability, enable the automatic offline map download From the Privacy Center. If you download maps manually and they don't cover the area you're driving in, Some features may not be availableNote: Previously downloaded maps are still available, but They do not update automatically.
Shortcuts, planning, and useful customization
- Shortcut on the home screenFrom the app drawer in mode, add the direct access to open the car interface without relying on Bluetooth or starting a route.
- Home screen modeIf you open it without a destination, you'll see destination suggestions, access to messages/calls and music recommendations.
- Plan better: uses alternative routes, Add intermediate stops and the option of scheduled departure for adjusted estimates.
- Key benefits: elderly to maximise security and your enjoyment. By reducing distractions, more convenience with simplified menus and time/fuel savings thanks to real-time traffic.
- Companion AppsTo complete your experience, there are third-party tools available to incidences (such as accident-related solutions), traffic advanced and fuel savingsUse them as support, always prioritizing safety.
With a optimized interface, voice control y flexible adjustmentsGoogle Maps' driving mode focuses on the essentials for getting around with fewer interruptions: Activate it before leavingCustomize how it starts and rely on Assistant commands to keep your eyes on the road.
