Google Develops Motion Assist Feature for Android 17 to Combat Motion Sickness

Google is reportedly working on a new feature called Motion Assist, set to debut with Android 17, aimed at alleviating motion sickness for users of Samsung Galaxy devices. Motion sickness often occurs when individuals use their phones while traveling in vehicles, leading to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches. This condition arises from a sensory conflict where the eyes focus on a stationary screen while the inner ear senses movement. Motion Assist seeks to mitigate this issue by displaying small dots on the screen that move in sync with the vehicle's motion, utilizing the phone's motion sensors.

One UI 9 (Android 17) could add Motion Assist feature to Galaxy phonesAndroid 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sicknessTechRadar

The Motion Assist feature, also referred to as Motion Cues, has been identified within Google Play Services but remains inactive due to limitations imposed by Android's overlay API. Currently, this API prevents apps from displaying elements over critical system components, such as the lock screen and notifications, which diminishes the effectiveness of Motion Cues. However, evidence from the latest Android Canary release suggests that Google is developing a new system-level Motion Cues API, which would allow for the dots to be rendered over all screen elements, including system settings.

Android 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sicknessTechRadarOne UI 9 (Android 17) could add Motion Assist feature to Galaxy phones

This new API would enable Google Play Services to control the appearance and placement of the dots, while the SystemUI would manage their display. To ensure security, only privileged apps would be granted the necessary permissions to utilize this feature, thereby preventing unauthorized third-party applications from interfering with the display.

Android 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sickness

In addition to Motion Assist, Android 17 is expected to introduce a Transiting mode designed to automate device settings during commutes. There is hope that Motion Assist will be integrated with this mode, allowing for automatic activation when the device detects that the user is in a moving vehicle. This integration could enhance the user experience by providing a seamless transition between settings and reducing the likelihood of motion sickness.

One UI 9 (Android 17) could add Motion Assist feature to Galaxy phones

Despite the anticipated benefits of Motion Assist, some critics have raised concerns regarding the delay in its release. The feature has been in development for over a year, and users are eager for a solution to motion sickness while using their devices. In the interim, users can turn to third-party applications like KineStop, which offers similar functionality by displaying moving elements on the screen to counteract motion sickness.

One UI 9 (Android 17) could add Motion Assist feature to Galaxy phones

While Google has not officially commented on the release timeline for Motion Assist, the ongoing development and testing of the feature indicate a commitment to enhancing user experience for those who frequently use their devices while traveling.

One UI 9 (Android 17) could add Motion Assist feature to Galaxy phones

As Android 17 approaches its expected release, further details regarding Motion Assist and its integration with Transiting mode are anticipated. Users can look forward to updates that may clarify the feature's capabilities and compatibility with existing devices.

One UI 9 (Android 17) could add Motion Assist feature to Galaxy phones

• “This happens because the current implementation relies on Android’s standard overlay API.” — Android Authority

Android 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sickness