Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
TL;DR Android appears to be working on a new Transit mode, but details have proven elusive.
New text strings have started to reveal what to expect from Transit mode, including a training period while it learns your schedule.
Transit mode will be able to automatically adjust Bluetooth and audio settings.
Our devices are pretty smart about figuring out what we’re up to, whether that’s our smartwatch detecting when we’re on a bike ride, or our phone recognizing when we’re driving a car. Late last year, we caught wind of another new tool Google appeared to be developing along these lines, identifying early work on a new system for figuring out when you’re riding public transit. As we wait for Google to finish up and introduce it, we’ve got some new updates on what users can expect.
Let’s start with the name. Last time around, we thought this might debut as “Transiting,” but let’s be honest — that sounded pretty wonky. Here, we’re now seeing it as the much more sensibly named “Transit mode.”
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Most of what we have to share today involves new text strings that are appearing in recent Android builds. Even without being able to actually use Transit mode just yet, these offer our best insight into how this will operate and what functionality to expect:
Code Copy Text All your transit commute info in one place Fast & simple Optimize your transit experience with real-time updates on your home and lock screen Perfectly customized Confirm location settings during setup so Google can send proactive updates about departure times, delays and alternative routes Synced to your travel Set up Transit mode to automatically adjust your phone settings when you’re commuting Confirm home & work locations Confirm your address are current and exact, including previously saved ones. This is needed to give you transit updates. This will allow you to get timely transit updates about your commute when you’re still at home or work. To get transit commute updates on your device, update your Google Maps background location settings to "Allow all the time" and "Use precise location." Keep this on so Google can send timely transit info when you’re at home or work. Allow Google Maps to access your commute details so you can optimize your transit. Both settings must be turned on to continue.
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