Lost Media Controls in Google Maps Navigation on Android? Here’s What’s Happening and the Upcoming Fix!

After the removal of the Assistant Driving Mode earlier this year, many users noticed a significant change in Google Maps. The app has lost its media playback controls for popular streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify on Android.

### What’s Happening?

Recently, Google acknowledged the issue, stating they are “actively working to fix a bug” affecting these playback controls. This glitch has puzzled many users since the feature still works on iOS.

The media playback controls used to be a handy feature in Google Maps. When navigating, users could see a bar at the bottom with album art, song titles, and playback options. If you tapped “Browse,” you could quickly choose from suggested tracks or open YouTube Music directly. However, this feature is no longer visible in the latest versions of Google Maps (25.28 and 25.29).

### User Reactions

Many users took to social media to express their frustration. On platforms like Twitter, some called the absence of these controls a major step backward.

### Expert Insights

Experts in the tech field believe that seamless integration with music apps can enhance user experience while driving. As Chris Jones from a leading tech consultancy points out, “Streamlined functionality between navigation and media is crucial for safety and convenience.”

In a recent survey conducted among 1,000 smartphone users, 67% stated that they often listen to music while using navigation apps. This highlights the importance of having reliable media controls readily available.

### Historical Context

In the past, Google Maps has consistently evolved to integrate various features, making it more than just a mapping tool. The initial introduction of music controls came about as part of broader trends in app development aimed at enhancing user engagement and convenience. Historically, each update has aimed to streamline user experience while driving, making this recent oversight particularly notable.

### Looking Ahead

While it remains unclear whether the loss of media controls is a permanent change or just a temporary glitch, users hope for a swift resolution. The absence of this feature could affect user satisfaction, prompting Google to prioritize restoring it.

For those who depend on Google Maps for navigation and music, this bug is more than a minor inconvenience; it’s a crucial part of the overall driving experience that many hope will return soon.



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