Car manufacturers are increasing the number of screens on board, and Google intends to take advantage of this. On some recent models, Android Auto can now project Google Maps navigation onto the screen located just behind the steering wheel.
Google Maps is coming to the screen behind the steering wheel
If you drive a Polestar 2 equipped with Android Auto, you might soon see a Google Maps pop-up right behind your steering wheel. According to 9to5Google, this new integration appeared with Android Auto version 14.3.651844, tested on a Galaxy S25. This small insert displays real-time navigation instructions in a more visible and accessible way for the driver.
This isn't the first time a navigation service has tried to use this strategic location. Waze had already started the movement earlier this year, with an interface dedicated to this secondary screen. Google Maps therefore seems to be following this logic, focusing on better readability of essential information, to prevent the driver from looking away from the central screen.
A (for now) limited function
For the moment, this new feature seems to be reserved for a very limited number of vehicles, particularly those with a compatible digital display behind the steering wheel. This is not Android Automotive (the full Google OS embedded in some vehicles), but rather a new capability of Android Auto, the version of the system projected via a smartphone.
According to initial feedback, this pop-up view could sometimes hide important elements of the map. Google will therefore have to adjust its interface so as not to hinder understanding of the route. However, this development shows Google Maps' desire to adapt its display to all vehicle screens.
Source: 9to5Google
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