Google is rolling out a new Android feature designed to reduce or even eliminate motion sickness when using a smartphone inside a moving vehicle. Dubbed Motion Assist, the tool is remarkably similar to Apple’s Motion Cues, which debuted in 2024.
The Science of Visual Synchronization
Motion sickness typically occurs when there is a sensory mismatch: the inner ear feels the vehicle turning, braking, or accelerating, while the eyes are fixed on a static display. Motion Assist addresses this by utilizing the device’s accelerometer and gyroscope to place dots around the edges of the screen.
These dots move in harmony with the car’s motion. When the vehicle turns right, the dots sweep across the screen to the left; when the car brakes, they slide forward. This visual feedback helps the brain reconcile the physical movement felt by the body with what is being seen on the screen.
Customization and Rollout
Google has included several customization options to ensure the feature is not intrusive. Users can:
- Adjust the opacity of the motion indicators.
- Choose from various shapes and colors.
- Set the feature to activate automatically upon detecting vehicle motion.
- Access it quickly via a tile in the Quick Settings menu.
The feature appears to be rolling out in phases as part of Android 17. While not yet available on all devices, some Pixel users have reported finding Motion Assist within Google Settings under the "All Services" tab of their profile.
