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Google expands Motion Assist beyond Pixel phones with latest Play Services update

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Why This Matters

Google is broadening its Motion Assist feature—originally exclusive to Pixel phones—to any Android device running Android 17 or newer with an updated Google Play services, aiming to reduce motion sickness for a wider base of users. This matters because it shows Google using software-level, cross-device rollouts via Play services rather than OS updates, letting accessibility and comfort features reach the broader Android ecosystem faster.

Key Takeaways
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Joe Maring / Android Authority

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TL;DR Google is rolling out Motion Assist to more Android phones through the latest Google Play services update.

The feature uses moving visual bubbles around the edges of your screen that match a vehicle’s movement to help reduce motion sickness.

You need a phone running Android 17 or newer and an up-to-date version of Google Play services to use it.

Google’s Motion Assist feature is now moving beyond Pixel devices to more Android phones thanks to the latest Google Play services update.

The September 21 Play services v26.37 release notes list Motion Assist under the Safety & Emergency section. The update says the feature can “help mitigate motion sickness with subtle, visual shapes that move in sync with a vehicle’s motion.””

Google’s support documentation now also makes it clear that Motion Assist isn’t limited to Pixel phones. The feature requires an Android device running Android 17 or higher with Google Play services updated.

Motion Assist was announced as part of Google’s September Android Drop and began appearing on Pixel phones last month.

When switched on, the feature puts small visual bubbles along the edges of the screen. These bubbles use your phone’s motion sensors to move in real time with the vehicle. Google says they are designed to help your brain synchronize what your eyes see with what your body feels.

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