Google to Shut Down Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard

Tech giant Google on Saturday announced plans to shut down the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard. Reports claim that the firm will shut down the entire feature on November 21, 2022. 

Google had unveiled the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard at its developer conference I/O in 2019. The car-optimized experience called ‘Driving Mode’ in Google Maps for Android will continue to exist. Shortcuts for calling and messaging will be included on the homescreen, along with media choices and audio controls. The firm claims that the shortcuts can be accessed, once the user begins the driving navigation. It consists of a black bar with assistant access and a grid of app icons for Google Podcasts, YouTube Music, along with other compatible streaming services.

Source: Driving Dashboard, 9to5Google

"Voice shortcuts are also available for phoning and texting. Compared to the Driving Mode Dashboard, it is significantly more straightforward," stated the report. With this move, Google will no longer have a direct successor to Android Auto for Phone Screens. 

Earlier in 2019, the tech firm announced plans to roll out a voice-enabled driving mode on Assistant that would not only personalise suggestions for navigation, messages, and calling but also bring all relevant activities. 

The driving mode would launch on Assistant once the user connects their phone to the car's Bluetooth. If not connected to the vehicle, the user could just say, "Hey Google, let's drive". In addition, Google had also announced making it possible to use Assistant to remotely control cars -- such as users asking Google to adjust the car's temperature before the driver gets in.