Google’s been busy upgrading Android Auto and Google Maps. The goal? A perfect integration that takes full advantage of what’s available in cars. Now, Google Maps is starting to appear on the screen behind the steering wheel in select vehicles that support Android Auto.
This new feature is all about keeping your eyes on the road. When you’re driving a Polestar 2 with Android Auto, you’ll soon see a Google Maps pop-up right behind the wheel. This small box shows navigation instructions in real-time, making it easier to follow directions without looking away from the road.
The Android Auto version 14.3.651844, tested on a Galaxy S25, is where this new integration first appeared. It’s not the first time a navigation service has tried to use this strategic location – Waze started doing it earlier this year with a dedicated interface for the secondary screen. Google Maps seems to be following suit, focusing on making essential information more readable to avoid distracting the driver.
Google Maps on the steering wheel
This feature is currently limited to a handful of vehicles with a digital display behind the wheel. It’s not Android Automotive, but rather a new Android Auto feature designed for use with smartphones. The initial feedback shows that the pop-up sometimes hides important map elements, so Google will need to adjust the interface to improve route understanding.
For now, this feature is only available on a few vehicles, but it demonstrates Google Maps’ commitment to adapting its interface to all vehicle screens. As the company continues to explore and improve this feature, we can expect it to become more widely available to Android Auto users.
More capabilities for Android Auto
The future of Android Auto looks promising, with Google continuously adding new features to enhance the driving experience. While this new functionality is still in its early stages, it’s clear that the company is dedicated to making navigation safer and more convenient. As Google Maps and Android Auto continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative features that change the way we drive.
- Google Maps is now available on the screen behind the steering wheel in select Android Auto-compatible vehicles.
- The new feature shows navigation instructions in real-time, making it easier to follow directions without looking away from the road.
- Android Auto version 14.3.651844, tested on a Galaxy S25, is where this new integration first appeared.
This development is a significant step forward for Google Maps and Android Auto, and we can expect to see more exciting updates in the future. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in-car navigation, we can look forward to a safer, more convenient driving experience.
