Android Auto Is Finally Getting A Key Google Maps Feature, 7 Years Later

It has taken more than seven years, but Android Auto users can finally use the live speedometer and speed limit signs on Google Maps without setting an active destination. Google first added live speed limits and a speedometer to its Maps app in 2019, expanding the information the app offers drivers. However, it wasn't until earlier this year that Android Auto users could take advantage of the feature, even though CarPlay had had it for much longer.

While the arrival of the speedometer is good news, one thing was still missing: the ability to see your live speed and the speed limits of the road you are currently traveling without having a destination set. Luckily, this appears to be changing now. Reports from users on Reddit suggest that the live speedometer has started to appear even without a destination set, giving Google Maps users running Android Auto one more feature they can take advantage of more easily. (via 9to5Google)

This is a really useful update to Maps, especially for users who like seeing details such as upcoming roads, stop signs, and stoplights, which reports say should now show more reliably without a route set.

Unfortunately, Google has only said so far that the feature is rolling out. It hasn't said exactly what timeline users should expect to get their hands on the new functionality. In the meantime, it might be worth looking into other navigation apps if you absolutely need those features without navigating. 

Being able to see more information at a glance without selecting a destination is one reason some users prefer Waze to Google Maps, as it lets you customize when speed limits show up, set speed limit alerts, and more. However, Waze can feel more designed for passive use, since you can still get alerts about construction and other warnings even without a destination in mind. Google Maps, on the other hand, tends to shine more when you have an actual destination in mind. However, the company is regularly making updates, such as its Immersive Navigation update, to encourage passive use, too.

But if you don't like Waze, or just want to stick with Google Maps all the time, then you can rest easy knowing that the feature will roll out to your device at some point in the future. Unfortunately, some users also report issues with the speedometer not showing up at all. If you're affected by that bug and the speedometer suddenly isn't showing, that's probably why. Google knows about the problem and has the Android Auto team working to fix it, but hasn't released a timeline for when to expect a fix, either.