Google Maps on Android Auto will now display live speedometer readings and speed limit signs without users having to input a destination, a capability that has been available on Apple’s CarPlay since 2019. The change extends functionality previously introduced in Google’s standalone Maps app in 2019, where live speed limits and a speedometer were added, though Android Auto users still had to manually start a navigation session to view them. This update removes that requirement, eliminating a long-standing difference between the two platforms.
Read Also: Sony fixes HDMI audio glitches in select TV models
Users on Reddit have confirmed the feature works as described, with the speedometer and speed limit overlays now appearing even when no route is active. The development brings Google Maps closer to Waze, which has long offered similar tools, including alerts for construction zones and traffic changes, without requiring destination input. While Waze has faced criticism for its passive design, Google Maps has traditionally performed best when users set a specific route, making this adjustment particularly significant for drivers who rely on Google’s mapping system. The update is particularly handy for users who like to see upcoming roads, stop signs and traffic lights, as reports indicate these cues now render more reliably without a set route.