OK so I’ve read this whole thing and I’m still a bit confused, so help me please: this refers to the “Driving Mode” which hides all my apps and gives some weird simplified interface, right?
Because there’s also a “Driving” mode which is only accessible via a widget (why, Google) which gives you a map while driving without having to specifically enter a destination. That one’s staying, presumably?
I have to assume it’s the widget only thing that’s going to be unalived. I’m sure they have data saying that only an infinitesimal fraction of users use the thing that requires arcane knowledge to find.
(why, Google)
Massive incentives to innovate The Next Big Thing and zero incentives to maintain shit people actually use. See also 2000-era Fox killing off every fantastic new show that wasn’t instantly as big as The Simpsons. And also constantly letting football interrupt The Simpsons.
Really… I have to check that out. For a very long time I’ve wanted a mode in maps where it behaves as though I put a destination in without a destination, why don’t they have that?? If this is the mode you mention and I’m only just finding out, then it is definitely the one Google is turfing…
I think this is mostly what you want, but as far as I can find online (and I’ll test it again later today) it no longer shows traffic warnings and your current speed like the destination maps does. I think it used to, though, which is what’s annoying about this whole situation.
I actually lost this feature for a while - it used to be under the hamburger ≡ menu as “Just Drive” and then the hamburger menu disappeared, and I’ve just recently found it again as a widget.
So, yeah, Google kills all good things and I’m sure it won’t last for much longer, but it’s nice in the meantime.
