The Google Maps app is getting a real dark mode, at least on Android. The company announced today that it is finally broadly launching the dark theme option that it has been testing in the app since September 2020.
The dark mode, which goes far beyond the color option of the night mode previously available, will be accessible in the settings menu of the application, under “theme”.
Google announced the launch of dark mode as part of a batch of new features to come for Android, including some updates for Android Auto. In addition to custom wallpapers, Android Auto will now also include games. Trivia Crack, Danger!, Song Quizand Google Are You Feeling Lucky? is available. The games can be accessed through the wizard saying “Ok Google, play”.
Android Auto will also receive a split-screen feature that will place Maps side by side with media controls, much like what Apple started doing on CarPlay on iOS 13 in 2019. (Although this feature is only available on cars with wider screens.) Google is also adding shortcuts to the Android Auto launch screen, which will allow quick access to your home’s climate or thermostat setting.
Android Auto features will be available “in the next few days” on phones running Android 6.0 and higher in compatible cars. The Google Maps dark mode will be released “soon”.