Google is working on a new feature called Motion Cues to help alleviate motion sickness for users of phones and tablets while traveling in vehicles. The feature overlays motion dots on the screen to indicate the vehicle's direction, resembling Apple's Vehicle Motion Cues functionality.
Current Development and Challenges
The Motion Cues feature is already functional within Google Play Services. Yet, it faces limitations due to the current Android overlay API. This API prevents the motion dots from appearing over essential system elements like the Settings app, notifications, and the lock screen. As a result, users cannot experience a seamless overlay while using their devices in motion.
Future API and Release Timeline
In response to this challenge, Google plans to introduce a new Motion Cues API that uses SystemUI to display motion dots across system elements. According to findings from the Android Canary build 2512, this setup involves Google Play Services managing the location and visual aspects while SystemUI ensures compatibility with system elements. This upgrade will require an OS update, likely aligning with the quarterly QPR3 release or Android 17. Google might market this finished feature as Motion Assist.
- Google develops Motion Cues for aiding motion sickness in vehicles.
- Feature is functional in Google Play Services but faces API limitations.
- New API will use SystemUI for broader motion dot visibility.
- Expected release around QPR3 or Android 17 updates.
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