Android Introduces Dots to Help Cure Car Sickness
▼ Summary
– Google is introducing Motion Assist, a new Android feature designed to reduce or eliminate motion sickness for users in moving vehicles.
– The technology uses device sensors to display peripheral dots that move in harmony with the car’s acceleration and turning motions.
– This feature closely mirrors Apple’s existing Motion Cues system, which was first introduced in 2024.
– Users can customize the indicators’ opacity, shape, and color, and enable them automatically via vehicle detection settings.
– The rollout is occurring in phases, with Pixel phones receiving the update first through Google Settings.
Google has launched a new Android feature designed to alleviate motion sickness for passengers who use their smartphones while traveling in moving vehicles. Titled Motion Assist, this tool mirrors the functionality of Apple’s Motion Cues, which debuted in 2024. The update is part of Android 17 and is currently being deployed in phases, with early access granted to select Pixel devices as reported by Android Authority.
The underlying science addresses the sensory conflict that causes nausea: your eyes focus on a static screen while your inner ear detects acceleration, braking, and turning. To resolve this disconnect, Motion Assist utilizes the device’s accelerometer and gyroscope to generate visual cues. Small dots appear around the edges of the display and move in sync with the vehicle’s physical motion. For instance, if the car turns right, the dots sweep left across the screen, providing a visual reference that aligns with the body’s physical sensations.
User experiences suggest the technology is highly effective. One tech journalist, who frequently works from the passenger seat of a van, noted that activating this anti-nausea feature is essential for productivity on the road. Without it, the experience becomes physically unbearable. This sentiment was echoed by the author’s spouse, who also converted to using the feature after testing it.
Customization and Accessibility
Google provides users with significant control over how these visual indicators appear. Users can adjust the opacity of the dots and select from various shapes and colors to suit their preference. Furthermore, the feature offers flexible activation methods. It can be set to enable automatically when the phone detects it is inside a moving vehicle, or users can manually toggle it via a tile in the Quick Settings menu for immediate access.
Despite the rollout beginning, not all compatible hardware has received the update yet. Some Pixel devices tested by reviewers still lack the feature. However, interested users can check for availability by navigating to Google Settings, selecting Your Profile, and then choosing All Services. If the update has reached your device, Motion Assist should be listed there, ready to help you stay comfortable during your next journey.
(Source: The Verge)
