Google is working on a new feature to help reduce motion sickness for smartphone users while traveling. According to Android Authority, the Google’s feature will be called Motion Cues, which will use animated dots on the screen to match the movement of a vehicle. The publication managed to activate the new feature with the latest Google Play Services v24.29.32 beta.
Motion Cues will use animated dots to ease motion sickness
The new Motion Cues feature will display animated dots along the edges of the screen. These dots will move in the same direction as the vehicle. For example, if you turn left, the dots will move right.
The idea is to reduce sensory conflict, which happens when your brain sees something still, like your phone screen, but your body feels the motion of the car or bus. The dots will help your brain sync what you see with what you feel, which should reduce the discomfort of motion sickness.
Google’s new feature will also make travel more enjoyable for people who like to watch movies or use apps during trips. With Motion Cues, you can use your phone without feeling uncomfortable.
Interestingly, Apple also has a similar feature with iOS 18 called Vehicle Motion Cues, which displays dots on the edges of the screen to match the vehicle’s motion and reduce motion sickness. By default, the feature is turned off, but users can enable it or set it to activate automatically.
How do Motion Cues work?
The report says that Motion Cues will require user permission to show on the screen. Once turned on, the feature will overlay on top of apps and might even turn on automatically when the device detects that you are in a moving vehicle.
Once available, Motion Cues will be a feature in Android’s settings. You’ll be able to turn it on or off through a dedicated Quick Settings tile. In addition, if you enable the “Auto enable when driving” option, then the feature will turn on automatically if it detects movement, like when you’re in a car or bus.
Right now, Motion Cues is currently in the development stage, but it may soon be available to the public through Play Services.