Google is rolling out a new Android 17 feature called Motion Assist, designed to reduce or eliminate motion sickness when using a phone inside a moving vehicle. The feature began rolling out in phases in 2026, with some Pixel phones receiving it first, according to Android Authority.
Motion Assist works by tapping into a device’s accelerometer and gyroscope to display dots around the edges of the screen that move in sync with the vehicle’s motion. When the car turns right, the dots sweep left; when the car brakes, the dots slide forward. The approach addresses the disconnect between what the eyes see — a static display — and what the inner ear senses as the vehicle turns, brakes, and accelerates.
The feature is closely modeled on Apple’s Motion Cues, which Apple first introduced in 2024. Google’s version allows users to adjust the opacity of the motion indicators and choose from a variety of shapes and colors. Motion Assist can be configured to activate automatically when it detects a moving vehicle, or it can be toggled manually through a Quick Settings tile.
To find the feature, users can look under Google Settings, then Your Profile and All Services — though the rollout is not yet complete, and some Pixel devices may not have received it yet.
The feature matters for anyone who struggles to use their phone while riding in a car, bus, or other vehicle. The same underlying technology is already in use on Apple devices, where it has been reported to meaningfully reduce nausea for passengers working or reading on the go.
Source: The Verge