Google+. The retail version of Google Glass. Add to the list of scrapped Google products the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard.
Google has told 9to5Google the dashboard is being deactivated on November 21, 2022, despite having only been announced in 2019.
The Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard gave Android users lacking a vehicle with Android Auto a simplified interface that could be displayed on their phones while they were driving.
This consists of widgets such as a navigation search field, media controls, shortcuts for sending a message or making a call, a do not disturb button, and a button to activate Google Assistant.
Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard
An app button brings up a list of apps you can use on the move such as audio streaming services and messaging, while a For You widget provides recommendations of new media or regularly consumed media.
There’ll still be a Google Maps screen optimised for driving, which displays the map but includes a button for the Google Assistant, plus the same ‘app drawer’ functionality as the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard.
The company is reportedly focusing on the Driving Mode in Google Maps because most people are using this instead of the separate Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard.
Google Maps Driving Mode
The latest move follows the discontinuation of the Android Auto for Phone Screens app earlier this year.
This was reportedly only serving as a stopgap, spun off from Android Auto in 2019, until the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard was set to be rolled out.
With the latter not widely available until 2021, Android Auto for Phone Screens stuck around longer than planned. Now both of these apps are being discontinued in the same year.
