A recent Android Auto Update has changed what Google Maps looks like By default to a centered view makes it difficult to watch live location Solution requires closure of the search box which is annoying and distracting
Google has recently updated its Google Maps software on the vehicle’s main devices and infotainment systems that are compatible with Android Auto, and it has forced some users to hit forums and chatrooms to express their dissatisfaction.
Not to be confused with Android Automotive, Operating System A growing number of vehicle manufacturers install natives on recent models, Android Auto allows some apps located on Android Smartphones to be mirrored on an Infotainment system or an aftermarket head.
A recent software update for the smartphone app now means that the MAPS application is defaulting on a centered view when a destination is not selected. Google’s proposed ‘destinations’ box takes most of the screen real estate.
This large, intrusive black box takes most of the screen’s upper right quadrant, reducing the number of streets and nearby points of interest that drivers can see when they randomly cruise rather than navigate to a destination.
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" data-embed-height="659"><a href=" Maps is now centered on the screen</a><br> by<a href=" in<a href=" async="" src=" charset="UTF-8"></script>This box can be collapsed with a product of the finger, but it is not a permanent action, which means drivers have to take their eyes off the road to remove it … every time they run.
A Reddit post by a dissatisfied user (via Android Authority) has already collected well over 130 comments, with people who say they have transferred to waze because “the search monstrosity that takes 1/4 of the screen is Brutal, “According to a Redditor.
It is also worth noting that many Google Maps users probably won’t even notice the change. They either navigate to a fixed destination (the search box disappears in this state) or are not aware of the digital cards anyway because they either know the way or just enjoy the drive.
Either way, it will be difficult for Google to ignore the setback and it will probably solve the problem in future updates.
Analysis: minor screens suffer
(Image Credit: Myriam Joire)
The screen trap that accompanies the Reddit user’s post shows a very small, rather low resolution infotainment headness, which probably aggravates the situation.
Many vehicles launched in the last few years have been predominantly sold with much larger screens, giving Google Maps more space to show more information.
Run cards on an Android Automotive-driven system found in a Renault or Volvo, and there is enough screen property to run several other applications at the same time.
It seems that Google may have overlooked the fact that not everyone can afford a 12-inch touch screen display driven by the latest Snapdragon processors. After all, most of us simply forced mortals to retrofit smaller aftermarket head units to modernize an older vehicle.
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