Google has recently introduced its innovative Motion Assist feature, now available for Pixel and Samsung devices operating on Android 17. This new functionality aims to alleviate motion sickness for users traveling in vehicles such as cars and buses. By employing an on-screen bubbles overlay that adapts to the device’s movements, Motion Assist seeks to enhance the travel experience.
How to Activate Motion Assist
To enable Motion Assist, users can easily search for “motion assist” within the Settings app. Alternatively, for Pixel users, the Quick Settings editor provides a more direct route by scrolling down to “From system apps.” For those who prefer a more detailed path, the sequence is as follows: Settings app > Google > All services tab > Personal & device safety > Motion assist. This feature is integrated into Google Play services and is positioned alongside other security features like Advanced Protection and Theft protection.
The Motion Assist menu offers users the option to automatically activate the feature when in a moving vehicle. Additionally, Google recommends adding a Quick Settings Tile for manual control, allowing users to toggle the feature from any screen. Once activated, a discreet system notification appears, enabling quick deactivation with a simple tap. On most devices, users will notice two columns of shapes displayed on the left and right edges of the screen.
Customization Options
The Customize menu provides a variety of options to tailor the Motion Assist experience:
- Color: Choose from Dynamic Color, Red, Yellow, Green, or Blue.
- Shape: Options include Circle, Square, Pentagon, or Diamond.
- Opacity: Adjust using a slider for desired transparency.
- Randomization: Enable a feature where color and shape change every few seconds.
As of now, Motion Assist has been widely rolled out to all Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy (Fold 8 series) devices running Android 17. Users are encouraged to restart their phones if the feature does not appear immediately. The bubbles are visible with version 26.33.32 of Google Play services.
