Google Maps gets ‘Car mode’ that plans route without command

In version 9.19 of Google Maps, a new mode called ‘Auto Mode’ has been added. With this navigation feature, the application is able to guess where the user is going based on the current location and previous destinations.

In this newly added form of navigation, Google Maps guesses where the user is going based on the current place, frequently visited destinations and searches. After that, the app provides traffic information about the route that the user is likely to take. The app also provides an estimated time of arrival and travel time.

The new mode can be activated in the options menu, but doesn’t seem to appear for everyone, according to Android Police. This is an option that may appear in version 9.19 under the navigation settings. There is also the option to give the mode a separate icon on the home screen.

Furthermore, the update adds the old sound button back to the navigation screen, so that the voice can be switched on and off or only provides the most important information. In addition, the timeline has been given a settings screen, which makes it possible, among other things, to remove location data and to indicate whether or not Google is allowed to use the user’s web activity for the timeline.

The update to 9.19 has not yet been rolled out to all smartphones at the time of writing.