Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Google’s Motion assist displays small moving bubbles along the edges of a phone screen to help reduce motion sickness while using a phone in a moving vehicle. It can start automatically when the phone detects vehicle motion, or you can switch it on with a Quick Settings tile.
What Motion assist looks like and does
Motion assist is an edge overlay, not a full-screen animation. Small, subtle bubbles move along the screen edges in response to motion sensed by the phone, such as turning, accelerating or braking. Google says the cues are intended to help the brain synchronize what the eyes see with what the body feels, making phone use during travel more comfortable. This is Google’s intended assistance, not a guarantee of relief or a clinically quantified treatment.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can adjust the bubbles’ opacity, color theme and shape. You can also choose whether their color and shape randomize every few seconds. The settings page displays live previews of customization choices. Google’s Android Help page for Motion assist describes the feature and its controls.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When Motion assist appears
Automatic start when the phone detects a moving vehicle
Turn on Start in a moving vehicle in Motion assist settings. If the phone detects that it is in a moving vehicle, it can start showing the bubbles automatically. Google cautions that detection may not always work, so the feature is not guaranteed to appear whenever you travel.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
When Motion assist starts automatically, a silent notification appears. Tap that notification to turn the feature off for the current session.
Manual start from Quick Settings
If you want direct control, add the Motion assist tile to Quick Settings and tap it when you want to use the feature. Google recommends keeping the tile available as a fallback alongside automatic detection. That way, you can start Motion assist yourself if the phone does not detect vehicle motion.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
How to find and set up Motion assist
- Check that the phone runs Android 17 or higher and that Google Play Services is updated. Google’s current help page gives these requirements but does not list supported Pixel models, so check the installed Android version and Play Services on your phone rather than assuming a specific generation is supported.
- Open Settings → profile → All services → Personal & device safety → Motion assist. If you do not see it, search for “Motion assist” at the top of Settings.
- To use automatic activation, turn on Start in a moving vehicle.
- To add manual control, tap Add tile to Quick Settings in Motion assist settings, or open the Quick Settings edit menu and choose the Motion assist tile. Select a small or large tile.
- Adjust opacity, color theme and shape, and choose whether color and shape should randomize every few seconds. Use the live preview to see how the choices look.
Motion assist is not Motion Sense
Motion assist is the vehicle-related screen-edge bubble feature. It is different from Motion Sense, the older Pixel 4 feature for proximity and quick gestures. Motion Sense may show a light-blue glow at the top of the screen when a gesture is available or has just been used; that glow is not Motion assist. Google’s Pixel 4 Motion Sense help page describes that separate feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
