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Android Automotive Enhances Safety with New Google Maps Heads-Up Display

Automotive

Business Honor
16 August, 2024

This update allows drivers to keep their focus on the road, reducing distractions and enhancing overall safety

Android Automotive has introduced a new feature that enhances the driving experience by displaying crucial navigation details directly in the driver’s line of sight. The latest update to Google Maps now includes a heads-up mini pane, which provides real-time information about travel distance, estimated time of arrival, and the total duration of the trip. This update has started rolling out in the past few days and is already available on vehicles like the Polestar 2 running the latest Android Automotive P3.1.10 build.

Previously, such information was confined to the vehicle’s center console, requiring drivers to glance away from the road. Now, when a destination is selected, the dashboard will show a small block displaying the estimated travel time in green, the distance in miles or kilometers, and the local arrival time based on current speed. This update allows drivers to keep their focus on the road, reducing distractions and enhancing overall safety. However, this new feature has a minor drawback. The mini pane can obscure some essential Google Maps directions when driving. Despite this, the feature disappears once the destination is reached or navigation is canceled, reverting to the standard Maps overview or the Android Automotive dashboard.

This update highlights the slow yet impactful evolution of Android Automotive. By minimizing distractions and keeping essential information within the driver’s view, this new heads-up display marks a significant step forward in vehicle safety and convenience.