The topic Google Maps eye-catching Immersive Navigation UI is finally rolling out to Android… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
Back in March, Google revealed a substantial overhaul of Google Maps’ navigation system with a new user interface the tech giant described at the time as immersive. While the update has already landed on CarPlay for some users, Android Auto was left out of the fun — at least until now.
Reddit user radgatt in the r/AndroidAuto subreddit posted that Google Maps new immersive navigation UI is available in their vehicle through Android Auto. The screenshot they posted of the new UI shows off its revamped 3D design with better, more pronounced landmarks, and of course, individual trees.
It looks like the new UI rolled out alongside Android Auto v17.3, possibly on the server side, given that some users with the update report it isn’t available in their vehicles yet. With this in mind, even if you aren’t running the latest version of Android Auto on your device, your phone might still be able to access Google Maps’ new immersive navigation UI.
It’s unclear when the update will get a broader iOS/CarPlay release (it’s already available to some users), but I imagine it will at least be a few weeks before it arrives on Apple’s smartphone. Has the update landed on your Android device yet? Let us know in the comments.
In other navigation app news, Google also recently dropped an update for Waze that makes the platform talk less with a new Less Chatty mode that lets you listen to music and podcasts with fewer interruptions. Back in May, Google revealed a comprehensive plan to transform Android Auto into a more cohesive in-car platform by updating core apps to Material 3 Expressive.
Less Chatty mode makes the navigation app give less directions out loud.