Google has begun rolling out a new Android feature designed to reduce motion sickness for people who use their phones while riding in vehicles. The feature, called Motion Assist, is similar to Apple’s Motion Cues, which debuted in 2024. According to Android Authority, the feature is arriving in phases, with some Pixel devices receiving it before others. The rollout targets a common problem for passengers who feel nauseated when looking at a static screen while their inner ear senses the vehicle’s movement.
Motion Assist works by using the phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope to detect the vehicle’s motion, then displaying small dots around the edge of the screen that move in sync with that motion. For example, if the car turns right, the dots drift left across the display, and if the car brakes, the dots slide forward. This visual feedback helps bridge the gap between what the eyes see and what the body feels, which is the underlying cause of motion sickness in many passengers.
The Verge’s Thomas Ricker, who wrote the original report, said the technology is effective based on his personal experience. Ricker, who lives and works from a van, said he frequently uses his MacBook and iPhone from the passenger seat while traveling. He noted that he can only do so by activating the anti-nausea feature on his Apple devices, and that without it, he cannot tolerate the screen time. He added that his wife has also become a believer in the feature.
In terms of customization, Google allows users to adjust the opacity of the motion indicators and select from different shapes and colors. The feature can be set to turn on automatically when the phone detects it is in a moving vehicle, or users can toggle it manually through a tile in the Quick Settings menu. This flexibility is intended to let each user tailor the experience to their comfort level.
The feature is part of Android 17, though not all Pixel devices have received it yet in testing. For those who do have access, the setting can be found in Google Settings under the sections labeled Your Profile and All Services. The rollout is gradual, so availability will vary depending on the device and region.
This Android feature arrives more than a year after Apple introduced its own version, which has been available on iPhones and iPads. The core concept has been praised for addressing a common issue for commuters and road-trippers in the United States, where long drives and heavy smartphone use are widespread. For now, Google’s implementation mirrors the approach that has already proven successful on Apple’s platforms, giving Android users a similar tool to combat car sickness.
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