Google Assistant’s new driving mode is coming — what you need to know

Google Assistant's new driving mode is coming — what yous need to know

(Image credit: Google)

Phones are incredibly useful driving tools, only it can be quite like shooting fish in a barrel to get distracted if you're not careful. Fortunately, Google has spent years making sure that doesn't happen with Android Machine and Google Assistant'southward driving mode.

Both features give drivers a phone feel that ensures access to all the important features, without the distraction. And Google is rolling out some updates to make that experience even better.

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Google Assistant'due south driving mode is finally here

google assistant driving mode gif — (Image credit: Google)

You tin be forgiven if you've never heard of the Google Assistant driving mode before, because information technology is pretty new. It'south and then new, in fact, that it'due south actually a cadre feature of the incoming Android 12 update — replacing the aging standalone Android Automobile app.

The idea is that this mode is for people who don't have Android Machine support in their car, letting them use their smartphone in a style that doesn't distract them from the road ahead. Information technology features a dedicated dashboard that can be brought up with the control "Hey Google, time to drive" or past linking it to your motorcar'south existing Bluetooth connexion.

The dashboard uses a card-based organization, and features Google Maps, cards with personalized audio suggestions, as well as access to the phone and messages app. The point is to make sure everything you lot demand while driving is on screen and accessible without any scrolling required.

As with Android Automobile, this will include an automobile-read feature for any messages that come in during your drive. All of this is handled via Google Assistant, which volition e'er be on paw to deal with anything you lot tin can't do by tapping your phone'south screen.

Google Assistant driving mode is prepare to fully curlicue out in the coming weeks; information technology will exist available in English language, German, Spanish, French and Italian.

Android Car updates are also coming

Android Auto is a little more than established, naturally, with Google challenge more than 100 million cars are compatible with the service. While the latest updates are a little less impressive than the new Google Assistant features, they're going to be invaluable for a lot of drivers.

The master change is that drivers volition at present be able to customize which app loads when Android Auto starts up. Currently, you head straight into the default navigation app, but if you'd rather spring straight into something else, you're going to become that option.

Android Auto will also offering upwards personalized audio suggestions via Google Assistant, and will now support dual-SIM devices and work profiles. Drivers who are parked will also exist able to relish minigames through GameSnacks, directly from their machine's display.

paying for gas with google assistant — (Image credit: Google)

The concluding update is a feature borrowed from Google-owned Waze, which lets you lot pay for gas without standing in a line or using the machine on the pump. Simply say "hey Google, pay for gas" and Google Assistant will take you through the motions of paying for your gas directly from your telephone.

You however need to physically pump the gas yourself, but handling payment is one less thing y'all have to do — useful for saving fourth dimension, and avoiding contact with other people. This feature will be available at 32,500 gas stations across the U.S, starting with Exxon Mobil, Conoco, Phillips 66 and 76. Unfortunately an international rollout for vox-powered payment is not on the cards right now.

Electric cars with Google built-in become some new features too

google for cars finding a charging station — (Image credit: Google)

While still not as well widespread, electrical cars with Google built-in will too be getting an upgrade. Drivers will at present be able to enquire their car to "discover a charging station", with Google Assistant and Maps locating the nearest charge point compatible with your car, payment details, and charging speed preferences.

Google will likewise be able to tell you lot if the charger is in utilise before you make it, and tin heat up or cool down the battery alee of time. That fashion, the bombardment is set to get as soon as you go there, reducing your overall charging time.

More: Google Maps vs. Waze: Which navigation app is better?

Tom is the Tom'south Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he tin usually be found articulatio genus deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'due south long way from his days equally editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the tabular array. He'south usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or lament that Ikea won't let him purchase the stuff he really needs online.