- A latest Android Auto replace has altered the way in which Google Maps seems to be
- Defaulting to a centered view is making it troublesome to see stay location
- Workaround requires closing the search bar, which is irritating and distracting
Google has just lately up to date its Google Maps software program on automobile head items and infotainment techniques which can be suitable with Android Auto, and it has pressured some customers to hit the boards and chatrooms to specific their displeasure.
To not be confused with Android Automotive, the working system a rising variety of automobile producers are putting in natively on latest fashions, Android Auto permits for sure apps housed on Android smartphones to be mirrored on an infotainment system or an aftermarket head unit.
A latest software program replace to the smartphone app now means the Maps software defaults to a centered view when a vacation spot hasn’t been chosen. Google’s recommended ‘Locations’ field takes up many of the display screen actual property.
This huge, obtrusive black field takes up many of the display screen’s high proper quadrant, diminishing the variety of streets and close by factors of curiosity that drivers can see when casually cruising relatively than navigating to a vacation spot.
Google Maps is now centered on the display screen
byu/steelbreeze9 inAndroidAuto
This field might be collapsed with a prod of the finger, but it surely’s not a everlasting motion, that means drivers need to take their eyes off the street to take away it... each time they drive.
A Reddit put up by a disgruntled consumer (through Android Authority) has already garnered properly over 130 feedback, with people stating that they've transitioned to Waze as a result of “that Search monstrosity taking on 1/4 of the display screen is brutal,” based on one Redditor.
It’s additionally value noting that many Google Maps customers most likely received’t even discover the change. They're both navigating to a set vacation spot (the Search Field disappears on this mode) or not being attentive to the digital maps anyway as a result of they both understand how or are merely having fun with the drive.
Regardless, it is going to be troublesome for Google to disregard the backlash, and it'll possible tackle the problem in future updates.
Evaluation: Smaller screens endure
The display screen seize accompanying the Reddit consumer’s put up reveals a really small, pretty low-resolution infotainment head unit, which is probably going exacerbating the state of affairs.
Many autos launched prior to now few years have predominantly been offered with a lot bigger screens, permitting Google Maps extra room to show extra info.
Run Maps on an Android Automotive-powered system present in a Renault or Volvo, and there’s sufficient display screen actual property left over to run a number of different functions concurrently.
It appears Google might have ignored the truth that not everybody can afford a 12-inch touchscreen show that’s powered by the most recent Snapdragon processors. Afterall, most of us mere mortals pressured to retrofit smaller aftermarket head items with the intention to modernize an older automobile.