If you’ve ever found yourself glancing at Google Maps during a drive and wishing for a speedometer feature, your wish may soon be granted. Google is in the process of rolling out live speedometer support for Google Maps on Android Auto, a long-awaited enhancement that many users have been anticipating.
It is somewhat surprising that this feature has taken so long to arrive, especially considering that Google Maps continuously tracks your vehicle’s movements for navigation purposes. The integration of a speed estimate should have been a straightforward addition. Notably, competitors like Apple’s CarPlay introduced this functionality back in 2024, and Waze, another Google-owned app, has offered it for years. One might have expected Google to prioritize its flagship platform, yet that has not been the case.
Historical Context
Reflecting on the past, the speedometer feature was commonplace in many pre-smartphone GPS devices. Users often noted discrepancies between the speed reported by the GPS and the vehicle’s own speedometer, typically finding the GPS to be a few miles per hour slower. In the interest of avoiding excessive speeding tickets, many opted to trust their car’s readings instead.
It’s worth noting that Google Maps took considerable time to implement speed limit notifications and speed camera alerts, which only became available in 2019. Thus, it’s not entirely surprising that smaller features, such as a GPS speedometer, have not been prioritized until now.
Reports from Reddit indicate that some users are already seeing the speedometer feature in their vehicles, with screenshots emerging from regions like Canada and India. Notably, a Canadian user running version 26.29.02.946673643 of the Google Maps beta has confirmed the presence of this feature, although others, including myself, are still waiting for the rollout.
As this feature becomes more widely available, users are encouraged to share their experiences. Have you spotted the speedometer in your Android Auto setup yet? Your feedback could provide valuable insights into this new development.
