August 28, 2026, 6:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Anyone who looks at their smartphone while driving knows the problem: Just a few minutes can cause an unpleasant feeling in the stomach. This is due to different signals from the eyes and the sense of balance. While there is often little movement visible on the display, the body registers every curve and change in direction. Google aims to address this issue with a new Android feature. It is designed to make using the smartphone while driving more comfortable.
Motion Assist Displays Movements Directly on the Screen
According to “Android Authority,” the new feature called “Motion Assist” is currently being rolled out to initial devices with Android 17. The goal is to better align the perception of movements on the smartphone with the actual movement of the vehicle.
When the feature is active, movable indicators appear at the edges of the screen. These respond to the vehicle’s movements. This is intended to provide the eyes with additional information about what is happening during the drive. The display is meant to help reduce conflicting signals between the eyes and the sense of balance, thereby lessening the queasy feeling when looking at the smartphone.
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How to Use Motion Assist
Users can customize various elements of Motion Assist. These include the color, shape, and transparency of the displayed indicators. Alternatively, Android can automatically adjust the display.
The feature can also be configured to start automatically, provided the smartphone detects that it is in a moving vehicle. If desired, users can activate or deactivate Motion Assist at any time via the quick settings.
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Google has been developing the feature for some time. At the end of 2024, it was still known as “Motion Cues.” Google has since integrated the technology more deeply into Android. As a result, the moving indicators remain visible even when other menus or screen elements are open.
Apple Uses a Similar Concept
The approach is not new: Apple already offers a comparable solution on the iPhone with the so-called vehicle motion indicators. There, too, points are displayed at the edge of the screen that change according to the movements during the drive.
As with Google’s solution, the feature can be activated automatically. Alternatively, it can be manually turned on via the control center. Both systems aim to make smartphone use on the go more comfortable.
Google has not yet announced when Motion Assist will be available on all devices with Android 17. The release appears to be gradual. According to “Android Authority,” the feature was already available on a Pixel 11 Pro XL. However, it was still missing on a Pixel 10 Pro XL with Android 17.