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(Pocket-lint): Google already offers a Google Maps experience for drivers, with a dedicated Android Auto in-car navigation system, but, if you don’t have that vehicle, it looks like the mobile version of the Google Maps app will soon offer a dedicated interface for when you’re in car mode.
The Google Maps app for Android appears to be testing a new car mode user interface reminiscent of the Google Maps app for Android Auto. According to Android Police, which shared screenshots, the user interface is minimal. The leaked screenshots show a navigation bar with three large buttons for the Google Assistant, Google Maps, and a home screen.
From the home screen, you can apparently access calls and messages or even apps, including third-party ones. The home screen in the leaked screenshots shows apps like Google Podcast, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Telegram. The YouTube Music app reportedly lets you quickly access your favorite songs and playlists. Meanwhile, the Calls option below the home screen shows your three most recent contacts, although you can still “call someone else” from your contacts.
As for the Google Maps icon on the navigation bar, you can tap it to return to the recently optimized car mode navigation view on Google Maps.
Google is clearly trying to allow drivers to access music and other entertainment on their phones with as little distraction as possible. But it’s unclear when this update to the Google Maps app will be rolled out for Android users, but since Google seems to be testing it now, we suspect it could be rolled out sooner rather than later.
Written by Maggie Tillman.
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