Google is making big changes to its mobile tools. First, the company has quietly taken away the “Driving Mode” from Google Assistant in Maps. This feature used to help users control music, send messages, and make calls while driving, all through voice commands. It was a safer option for hands-free help on the road, but now it’s gone for everyone as of April 2025.

When trying to start Driving Mode now, users are redirected to the regular Google Assistant. But this version doesn’t offer the same driving-friendly layout or features. Instead, Google is now pushing users to use Android Auto, which works only in cars that support it.

At the same time, Google has improved its AI chatbot Gemini. The latest version, Gemini 2.0 Flash, now responds with a more natural tone that sounds closer to how people talk. This update makes Gemini feel less robotic and easier to interact with.

These changes show Google is focusing more on newer tools and smarter AI. While some users may miss the Assistant’s Driving Mode, the company is clearly shifting its energy toward making AI like Gemini more helpful and user-friendly.

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Google I/O 2025 is coming on May 14, and it’s expected to bring big news about Android 15 and Google’s AI tools. This year, the focus will likely be on making Android smarter and more useful.

Android 15 has already started showing up in early previews. It’s expected to improve how your phone runs in the background, add better support for satellite connectivity, and make foldable phones work even more smoothly. Google might also show off new features focused on privacy and speed.

Artificial Intelligence will likely be the main highlight at this year’s event. Google is working hard on Gemini, its new AI system, which might get even more updates. We could see AI features added directly into Android, like smarter replies in messages or better voice commands.

Google might also talk about new Pixel products, especially the Pixel 8a. This phone is expected to offer premium features at a lower price. Along with that, updates to Wear OS for smartwatches and Android TV could also be announced.

Overall, Google I/O 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting event for Android users and developers, especially with the growing role of AI in mobile experiences. We’ll know more once the keynote goes live on May 14.

Android 16 is bringing a small but helpful update that improves how users manage their audio output. Right now, when you’re listening to music or watching a video on your phone, switching the sound to another device, like wireless earbuds or a speaker, can sometimes feel clunky or take too many steps.

To fix this, Google is working on a better media output switcher for Android 16. This new tool will let you easily move audio between different connected devices. For example, if you’re listening to a song on your phone and want to switch the sound to your Bluetooth speaker, you’ll be able to do it quickly through the media controls without needing to go into the settings.

This improved feature was spotted in early Android 16 test builds. It shows a redesigned switcher that groups available audio devices into two clear sections: currently connected devices and other nearby devices. This makes it much easier to pick where you want the sound to go.

This update may seem small, but it’s part of Google’s ongoing work to make Android more user-friendly. It’s especially useful for people who often use wireless earbuds, smart speakers, or cast music to other gadgets. Android 16 is expected to bring more of these handy changes as it moves closer to its final release.