Home / Technology / Android Fights Carsickness with New Motion Assist
Android Fights Carsickness with New Motion Assist
25 Aug
Summary
- New Motion Assist feature rolls out to Android 17 devices.
- It visually combats motion sickness using on-screen indicators.
- Users can customize appearance and auto-activation settings.
A new feature called Motion Assist is now rolling out to Android 17 devices, aiming to alleviate motion sickness experienced by users in moving vehicles. First spotted in a beta release in December 2024, this functionality is gradually becoming available, starting with Google's Pixel phones.
Motion Assist operates by displaying animated shapes or dots on the screen's edges, which move in sync with the vehicle's motion. This visual cue is intended to reduce the disorientation that leads to motion sickness. Users have the flexibility to personalize the color, shape, and transparency of these indicators, with an option for randomization.
Accessibility is enhanced through customizable settings, including automatic activation when the device detects travel by car, bus, or train. A Quick Settings tile allows for manual control. Google provides notifications when Motion Assist is active, enabling users to easily disable it if needed. The feature's phased rollout means availability may vary even among eligible devices.
