On Tuesday, Google unveiled its latest feature, Motion Assist, which is gradually becoming available for devices operating on Android 17. This innovative addition aims to enhance user experience, particularly for those who frequently find themselves in motion.
Exploring Motion Assist
To access Motion Assist, users can simply search for the term within the Settings app. Alternatively, the feature can be located through a series of steps: navigate to the Settings app, select Google, then proceed to the All services tab, and finally, Personal & device safety, where Motion Assist resides alongside Advanced Protection and Theft protection. This feature is integrated within Google Play services, underscoring its significance in the ecosystem.
Motion Assist offers a preference menu that allows users to enable the feature to automatically “Start in a moving vehicle.” For added convenience, Google suggests incorporating the Quick Settings Tile, which facilitates manual activation and deactivation from any screen. Users can easily add this tile from the Motion Assist page or through the standard edit screen under “From system apps.” Once activated, a system notification appears, providing a straightforward option to disable the feature with a simple tap.
Customization Options
The feature also boasts a Customize menu, enabling users to tailor their experience with various options:
- Color: Choose from system colors or select Red, Yellow, Green, or Blue.
- Shape: Options include Circle, Square, Pentagon, or Diamond.
- Opacity: Adjust using a slider for desired visibility.
- Randomization: Enable a setting where colors and shapes change every few seconds.
These dynamic shapes adapt to the device’s motion, potentially alleviating motion sickness for users traveling in vehicles. For instance, on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, users can enjoy a visually engaging experience with three columns of shapes displayed on the left and right edges, while other Google phone models may showcase two columns.
As of now, Motion Assist is still in the early stages of rollout. The feature is currently associated with version 26.33.32 of Google Play services, but its availability is dependent on a server-side component. At this moment, it has only been observed on select devices, indicating that a broader rollout is yet to come.
