Pixel do not disturb driving mode ambient services – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Skip to main content

The Pixel 2 can automatically switch into do not disturb mode when you’re driving

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Photo by James Bareham / The Verge

In addition to announcing two new Pixel phones this week, Google released a new app called Pixel Ambient Services. I know, it’s an exciting name. This is the description for the app: “Pixel Ambient Services provides features based on local context for Pixel devices.” Today, Android Police spotted that Google’s provided screenshots for the app featuring an automatic setting for when the phones detect a user when driving. You can see it below.

Google

This screen suggests that the phone will automatically go into a do not disturb mode when someone is driving. Google says it’ll use Bluetooth and device motion to determine when to activate the feature, but it probably can’t tell whether you’re the the driver or passenger.

Other phone makers, like Apple and Samsung, launched their own do not disturb while driving features this year. Both of their solutions send auto-replies to people who call or text. It isn’t clear whether Google’s does, too.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.