Google Maps, one of the most trusted navigation apps globally, has recently made an unsettling change for its Android users. Earlier this year, the app removed useful in-app media playback controls, replacing them with a floating action button that required enabling through the app’s settings. However, reports now suggest that even this button may be disappearing, which raises serious concerns about user convenience and safety. The convenience of having playback controls within a navigation app is clear: users can manage their music or podcasts without diverting their attention from the road.
Without these controls, drivers are forced to exit Google Maps and switch to their media apps, wasting precious seconds that could increase the risk of accidents. This change may prompt users to consider alternatives such as Waze, another app owned by Google that retains media controls. Interestingly, the playback feature remains intact for iOS users, leaving Android users puzzled about the reasoning behind this apparent regression. Concerns have been exacerbated by Google’s recent decision to shut down Assistant Driving Mode, further reducing built-in support for music apps.
The removal of the playback bar in the latest Android version of Google Maps has left many questioning if this is a temporary bug or a deliberate move. Either way, it feels like a step backward for user experience. Despite the introduction of other new features, such as AI-driven route optimization, the loss of playback controls highlights a significant oversight in user safety and convenience. It is hoped that Google will address this change promptly, ensuring that Google Maps returns to being as user-friendly as it has always aimed to be.