What you need to know
- Google Maps is finally bringing a live speedometer to Android Auto, closing a long-standing feature gap with Android phones and Apple CarPlay.
- The rollout is currently very limited, with reports pointing to a server-side release for select Google Maps beta users on version 26.29.02.946673643.
- The speedometer appears next to the speed limit indicator and changes color when you exceed the posted limit, making it easier to monitor your speed at a glance.
In a move that many Android Auto users have long awaited, Google is finally introducing a live speedometer feature to its Maps application. While this functionality has been available on Android phones for quite some time and was incorporated into Apple CarPlay in 2024, its arrival on Android Auto marks a significant enhancement for drivers.
The initial rollout appears to be quite selective, with reports emerging from Reddit indicating that only a handful of beta users are currently experiencing this update. Specifically, it seems to be available to those using Google Maps version 26.29.02.946673643, including at least one user located in Canada, as noted by 9to5Google. As is often the case with new features from Google Maps, this update is being deployed via a server-side rollout, meaning that simply updating the app may not guarantee immediate access to the new feature.
The live speedometer will be conveniently positioned alongside the speed limit indicator, providing drivers with a clear view of their current speed. Notably, the speed read-out will change color if the driver exceeds the posted limit, allowing for quick glances at the display without diverting attention from the road.
As a reminder, Google emphasizes that this feature should be viewed as a reference tool rather than a replacement for the vehicle’s built-in speedometer. This addition complements the immersive Maps interface, which includes 3D building representations, enhanced lane guidance, and simplified navigation through complex highway interchanges.
Android Central’s Take
This update elicits a sense of relief more than excitement. A live speedometer is not a groundbreaking innovation; rather, it is a fundamental navigation feature that has already been available on smartphones and even on CarPlay for some time. Nevertheless, its introduction to Android Auto is a welcome development, as it reduces the need for drivers to glance down at their dashboards, especially in unfamiliar areas where speed limits frequently change. One can only hope that Google will continue to prioritize practical enhancements like this one, alongside their more extravagant features.
