Google is developing a new feature in its upcoming Android 17 operating system to help reduce motion sickness symptoms during travel. Known internally as Motion Cues and likely marketed as Motion Assist, this feature takes inspiration from a similar solution Apple introduced with iOS 18.
Motion sickness commonly occurs when there is a sensory conflict between what the eyes see and what the inner ear senses. When users focus on a static phone screen while the body detects movement, it often triggers dizziness and nausea. Google’s Motion Assist aims to address this issue through visual aids on the phone screen.
How Motion Assist Works
The feature displays small visual dots on the smartphone display. These dots move in sync with the vehicle’s speed and direction, using data from the device’s motion sensors. This creates the illusion that the phone screen is moving along with the user’s body, reducing sensory mismatch and easing nausea.
This concept has been tried before. Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 18 uses a similar mechanism. Additionally, Android users have had access to third-party apps like KineStop since 2018, offering comparable visual solutions.
However, Motion Assist stands out by being integrated natively at the system level. Unlike third-party overlays that only work on top of apps, Google’s implementation aims for consistent visual display across all screens and interfaces.
Overcoming Technical Barriers
Previous attempts to provide such visual cues on Android faced security constraints. Android’s system limits apps from drawing over critical UI elements like the status bar, notifications, and lock screen. This restriction prevented visual aids from appearing in all necessary areas.
Android 17 promises to overcome these challenges by introducing new system-level APIs. These APIs allow Motion Assist visuals to be rendered through SystemUI, the core interface manager. This approach respects Android’s security rules while enabling the dots to appear universally across the entire display.
Recent code commits found in the Android Canary repository show Google’s readiness to offer customizable settings for Motion Assist. Users may be able to adjust the dots’ shape, color, size, and spacing. Access to this feature will also require special permissions to prevent misuse.
Launch and Integration Prospects
Due to its reliance on a new system API, Motion Assist will likely debut with the full Android 17 update. There is a possibility it could appear earlier in a final Android 16 release, but a full OS upgrade seems probable.
When released, Motion Assist is expected to integrate closely with Android’s upcoming Transiting mode. This mode configures the phone for use in transit, automatically activating features that improve passenger experience. Motion Assist would enable itself when sensors detect the user is traveling inside a vehicle.
Implications for Android Users
Google’s Motion Assist reflects an ongoing effort to enhance user comfort during travel. By reducing motion-induced nausea, Android users can use their phones more comfortably without interrupting journeys.
If successfully implemented, this feature will provide an experience similar to what iOS users have enjoyed since last year. The native integration should also deliver better performance and reliability compared to existing third-party apps.
By preparing a system-wide visual solution that works seamlessly across all screens, Google addresses a longstanding pain point for passengers. This innovation highlights Android 17’s broader focus on adapting smartphone behavior intelligently to user context.
As Android 17 approaches launch, users and developers alike can anticipate Motion Assist as part of a smarter, more user-friendly mobile operating system.
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