► In short
- Google restores multimedia controls in Maps
- The function had been removed in favor of another mode
- This return responds directly to user complaints
A disappearance badly experienced by drivers
For millions of motorists, the routine was well installed: launch a route on Google Maps, start a playlist on Spotify or YouTube Music, and manage the tracks directly from the navigation interface. A simple and above all safe solution, which avoids juggling between several applications by driving. This is why the sudden suppression of this control widget, a few weeks ago, caused a wave of misunderstanding and dissatisfaction.
Overnight, the users found themselves without this integrated command, forcing them to leave the navigation screen to simply change songs. This deletion was part of a broader and sometimes confused approach by Google, which has gradually abandoned its “Assistant Driving Mode” in favor of an integrated experience in Maps, a subject followed closely by Android Police. Unfortunately, in this transition, this key functionality had been lost on the way.
Driving security, a central issue
Beyond simple comfort, the removal of multimedia controls posed a real security problem. Forcing a driver to leave the eye map, looking for another application and taking an action there is a dangerously recognized source of distraction. The fundamental principle of a good driving interface is to minimize interactions and keep the essential information accessible. By removing the widget, Google went against this logic.
User forums and social networks quickly relayed this feeling, much qualifying the decision to” absurd “ or from “Security regression”. The message was clear: the drivers did not want a refined navigation view if it was done at the expense of such an essential feature.
The unexpected return of a acclaimed functionality
Rare for a company of its size, Google has obviously heard the discontent. Very quickly, the Mountain View firm started to redeploy multimedia controls. It is not a simple backward, but a thoughtful reintegration in the new Maps navigation interface. The restoration of this function has been one of the news most appreciated by the Android community in recent days.
This new interface takes the form of a floating widget which appears as soon as a compatible multimedia application (such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, etc.) is being read when you launch a route. This widget displays the album cover and the essential control buttons (reading/pause, next/previous track), allowing you to manage everything without ever leaving the card.
How to reactivate and use multimedia controls
The deployment of this feature is done on the server side, but you can follow these steps to put the odds on your side:
- Update Google Maps: Make sure you have the latest version of the application via the Google Play Store.
- Check the settings: Go to maps> navigation settings, and make sure the option “Show multimedia content reading commands” is activated.
- Launch the music first: Start playback in your favorite music application avant to start navigation in Google Maps.
- Start navigation: Once the route is launched, the control widget should appear automatically on your screen.
Google listening: a victory for the user experience
Google’s flip-flop regarding multimedia controls in MAPS is more than just a technical update; It is a strong signal sent to its community. It proves that user feedback, when they are massive and argued, can change the roadmap of a tech giant. By quickly restoring such a appreciated feature, Google does not only correct an error, it reaffirms the importance of the user experience and security, thus restoring drivers a safer, more practical and more complete navigation tool.
