Google is n't just redesigning the design of the Google Maps app, it's also updating its features as it tries to further improve the navigation experience. Some users of the app have already noticed one of the new features that Google is testing, and it's a dedicated Google Assistant that's been enhanced with navigation.
The company revealed at Google I/O that Assistant was coming to Google Maps, and it looks like it's already here for some users. However, it's a special version of Assistant designed to keep you from being distracted while you're driving and navigating maps.
Some screenshots, posted on Reddit, show the design of the new Assistant for the Google Maps app.
Users can activate Assistant via voice or by tapping the colorful microphone, 9to5Google. The commands will run in the background, meaning the navigation information won't disappear from the screen while Assistant is performing its tasks. The user can make calls, send messages, listen to music, and access other Assistant features without leaving the Maps app. The Google Assistant icon will also appear on a black or white background, depending on the time of day.
The feature will be available in the current stable version of Google Maps for Android (this is version 10.4.1), but it may not be available in all regions immediately. The feature was supposed to launch this summer, but Google only recently started rolling it out. It's unclear when Google Maps Assistant will be released, but the company typically rolls out new updates and features to Google Maps in batches, so it should be available to the market soon.
