Voice commands no longer work when using navigation

[outdoorDan]

As of a few weeks ago, my S23 ultra Ui7 no longer allows voice commands with Google maps navigation.

I am often driving at daybreak, when I start the drive, i have display brightness turned down (adaptive display is too bright). Using Google assistant or gemini (prefer GA), I can no longer use voice command "increase brightness". Prior to few weeks ago, this worked - i had been using it for years. 

The kicker is this same command works if Google maps is actively not navigating, even if Google maps is open but not navigating. 

I must cancel navigation to change screen display brightness. 

I chatted with support from my carrier, the rep experienced the same - voice doesn't work using navigation. 

Samsung support had me clear cache and try with adaptive display enabled. Neither of these restored the previously working voice commands. Their other suggestion was to factory reset. 

I noticed this stopped working after some updates , but I don't recall exactly when or what update it was. It may have been monthly security update. My apps update frequently and automatically.

Is there some core android or app setting that was lost during an update that i can restore to get voice commands working with navigation running?

[outdoorDan]

That maybe an option. I do have routines for other things. However, the times would change based on the time of year. Using bixby is just easier then updating a routine.

[realaud]

Are you really constantly looking at the maps, or just don't want the light distracting you? You can just do the parameters without the time and just leave it at the screen dims when maps is open. You realize that maps also has day and night mode right?

[outdoorDan]

I have it that way because it's best for my eyes and isn't a distraction with being to bright for my eyes.

Yes. I look at maps often enough when driving. I do a good amout of driving when the sun isn't up.

There have been a few maps related changes recently that make it more difficult for me. Sometime recently, making or receiving a phone call, the call screen would be at the bottom of maps. Now, the phone app. Is full screen and takes priority over maps. Effectively making maps useless- because I can't see upcoming turns, lane changes, etc. I have to rely on the audible prompts to indicate which lane I need.

Maybe it's a "me use case", but these changes are not improvements, they are degrading usability and forcing manual interaction. Especially considering municipalities are hands free.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[realaud]

I don't like my screen too bright either, I have it down to the minimum brightness where I can still see it clearly. As I said, you don't have to add the time parameter to the routine, just keep it as dim the screen when maps is open or turn it to greyscale or put a color filter over it.

You can change the way the call screen comes up when an app is open.  Open the phone app, tap the dot menu, select settings, scroll down to call display while using apps and change it from full screen to either small pop-up or mini pop-up.  That way it won't overtake the app and it will disappear while the call is active while the app is open and become a phone icon on the status bar.  The best part of the pop-up is no swiping to answer or dismiss, just tap the respective icon.

[outdoorDan]

It was already set to small. I enabled the bottom slider to keep it small.

The issue is i will need to change the display brightness mid-drive to increase brightness. As the sun comes up, it's too dark to see.

[realaud]

Is your vehicle Android Auto Capable? I believe, but am not sure, since it's been so long since I've used it, that Google voice commands can control the screen brightness of the head panel.  At the very least, you'd be able to change the settings have it auto switch between day and night mode.  You can actually change the maps settings to automatically switch between day and night mode for the maps.

Another alternative may be to create the routine to wake up Bixby when maps is open, so that you can use Bixby to lower and raise the brightness or answer the phone.  Choose whichever inconveniences you least.

[outdoorDan]

It is not android auto capable. Given the forced change in behavior, even when it works but not when using maps, i think the best solution for me is to use bixby voice.

I did report a bug to samsung via members app. I will update with samsung's response.

[realaud]

Why not just change the maps setting to auto switch to night mode?  Night mode greys out the map and dims the screen.  The phone senses whether it's light or dark and adjusts accordingly.  This can be found in the maps navigation settings.

[cassiehong91]

Maybe try going on phone settings? Or tips app?

[outdoorDan]

Thank you to all who offered suggestions. The one that works best for me is enabling bixby and using bixby for the voice commands that previously worked using Google assistant.

I received confirmation from Samsung this is a change made by Google, not Samsung.

"It is constantly being changed so that only the necessary functions can be performed while driving. Please note that related actions are not controlled by Samsung and are defined and implemented by Google's own UX."

I guess some voice commands while using maps for navigation is not a necessary function, but necessary while not navigating.