Google Maps media controls disappeared
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I have used Google Maps and Pocketcasts together for a long time. When both are in use a media tray would sit at the bottom of the screen so I could pause my podcast when driving.
Yesterday I drove somewhere and the above functionality was there. On the way back it was gone and nothing I could do in Maps settings will get it back.
Has anyone else had this? I am on Android, Google Pixel 6 Pro.
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If Google Maps is not working well with Pocket Casts, please first make sure that your device does not have any battery optimization restrictions for Pocket Casts. You can refer to the following: How to give Pocket Casts unrestricted battery access?
Let us know if that solved your issue.
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Hi @seankennelly01,
To help us understand what might be happening, could you please provide a bit more information?
- Pocket Casts app version
- Android version
- Google Maps version
Also, could you clarify:
- Have you noticed any recent updates to the Google Maps app?
- Have you tried clearing the cache for either or both apps? You can usually do this in your phone’s Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear cache.
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I am experiencing the same problem. Pocket Cast playback controls have disappeared from Google Maps.
- Pocket Casts v7.86
- Android v15
- Google Maps v25.16.06.747108139
There is a toggle in Google Maps settings which I thought would be related:
Settings > Navigation > Show media playback controls
However, when toggling this on the only app available is Youtube Music. Browsing around it looks like Spotify would be available if installed. I haven’t found any method for adding other apps including Pocket Casts. -
I too am annoyed about this problem – But it’s not PocketCasts’ fault. Google’s latest update to Maps / Navigation has removed the old “Driving Mode” feature as part of its transition from Google Assistant to Gemini. Unfortunately this update has removed the old “Media Control” black panel which used to show up at the bottom of the navigation display to allow you to control whatever audio app was playing.
The new “Show media playback controls” feature (in Settings > Navigation) is NOT a valid replacement for that, because it only supports certain apps and doesn’t show what is currently playing if you’re using an app that’s not on its list, such as PocketCasts. I’ve also found that the display of those new media playback controls is buggy and covers up important bits of UI without any way of hiding the panel once it’s showing.
In short, a gross UI fail from Google who just change things with no regards for how users feel about it. -
@skasowitz @seankennelly01 thanks for reporting this to us.
@wp9bf5ca4fb2040 this certainly seems to be the case, as we did not remove anything from our end.
Our team is investigating if anything can be done about it from our side, but for now, it might be best to share this feedback with Google
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It appears that Google have removed driving playback controls support for all media except their own YT Music and Spotify. Disgraceful though unsurprising, we can only hope it returns in a future update.
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It appears that Google have removed driving playback controls support for all media except their own YT Music and Spotify.
@jdnorton If more users like you can please reach out to Google as well to voice out your displeasure with the recent changes, they will hopefully reverse the changes they’ve made.
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