Google is rolling out a new Android feature called Motion Assist, which uses on-screen indicators to help reduce motion sickness while using a phone in a moving vehicle.
Key facts
- •Motion Assist is part of the Android 17 feature set.
- •The system uses the phone's gyroscope and accelerometer to track vehicle movement.
- •Users can choose different shapes, colors, and opacity levels for the motion dots.
- •The feature can be configured to activate automatically when a moving vehicle is detected.
Google has begun rolling out a new Android feature, Motion Assist, designed to mitigate motion sickness for passengers using mobile devices in moving vehicles. Similar to Apple's Motion Cues, the feature utilizes the device's accelerometer and gyroscope to display moving dots that correspond to the vehicle's motion. The update is currently being released in phases, with initial availability reported on some Pixel devices.
How Motion Assist Works
The feature addresses the sensory conflict between a static screen and the inner ear's perception of movement. By placing dots around the screen's periphery that move in sync with the car's acceleration, braking, and turning, the system aims to stabilize the user's experience. For example, when a vehicle turns right, the dots move across the screen to the left.
Configuration and Availability
Users can customize the motion indicators by adjusting their opacity and selecting from various shapes and colors. The feature can be set to activate automatically upon detecting vehicle movement or toggled manually via a Quick Settings tile. While the rollout is underway, the feature may be located within Google Settings under 'Your Profile' and 'All Services'.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Verge.
