In a puzzling turn of events, Android users have found themselves struggling with Google Maps after the withdrawal of the Assistant Driving Mode earlier this year. The iconic navigation app now seems stripped of essential media playback controls for popular services like YouTube Music and Spotify.

But there’s good news! An update on July 21 revealed that Google is "actively working to fix" this frustrating issue. Reports suggest that the missing controls were not a deliberate change but rather a pesky bug.

Originally, after the phasing out of Driving Mode, users could easily access media controls to keep the tunes flowing while navigating. This feature, which previously showcased album art, song titles, and playback controls, has become a vital aspect of the navigating experience.

However, with the latest versions—Google Maps 25.28 (stable) and 25.29 (beta)—users have noticed the absence of the once handy controls. The settings menu has also lost options like "Show media playback controls" and "Default media app," leaving many users confused.

Curiously, the feature remains fully functional on iOS devices. Given that the Assistant Driving Mode is no longer an option for Android users, access to media controls in Google Maps is more essential than ever. Users are hoping this isn't a permanent removal and that a fix will come soon.

Stay tuned for updates as Google continues to address these hiccups, and get ready to blast your favorite tracks while you navigate!