Hold onto your smartphones, Google Maps users! If you've recently noticed that your media playback controls for YouTube Music and Spotify have mysteriously disappeared, you're not alone.

Earlier this year, with the phase-out of Assistant Driving Mode, many users found themselves relying on the "Show media playback controls" feature while navigating. This was supposed to enrich your driving experience by displaying your favorite tunes right on the navigation screen.

However, something went awry! As of the latest updates (25.28 stable and 25.29 beta), these handy controls have vanished, leaving drivers frustrated and scrambling. This feature not only provided a sleek bottom sheet showcasing album art and song information but also included convenient playback options and quick access to browse your playlists.

In a recent update, Google has acknowledged the issue, stating they are "actively working to fix an issue that is affecting media playback controls on Google Maps." This disappearance has been confirmed as just a glitch, and they're on it!

It's a mystery why this critical feature was lost, especially since it still remains intact for iOS users. With the discontinuation of Assistant Driving Mode, there’s more reason than ever for Google Maps to keep media controls accessible.

Stay tuned for future updates as the tech giant works to bring back the functionality that makes driving more entertaining and hassle-free! You won’t want to miss your beat while navigating!

In the meantime, let’s hope this isn’t a permanent change. With reports of new navigation systems powered by Google Maps popping up, like Rivian’s initiative, it seems Google is enhancing its services. Here's hoping your driving tunes make a comeback soon!