Android 17 introduces "Motion Assist" feature to combat motion sickness

Google has started distributing a new feature called "Motion Assist" for its Android 17 operating system. The feature, known in German as "Visueller Bewegungsausgleich" (Visual Motion Compensation), is designed to reduce the effects of motion sickness by offering visual cues for users traveling in vehicles.

The "Motion Assist" function is located within the settings of Pixel devices, under Google services and settings. On other Android devices, it is expected to be found under the general Google settings. The feature requires the device to be running Android 17 and is situated within the "Personal safety and device security" section. Users can also add a quick settings tile for easier access.

Users can configure the feature to activate automatically when the device detects it is in a car, bus, or train. While in motion, subtle bubble animations appear on the left and right edges of the screen, moving in sync with the vehicle. Google states this aims to help resolve the discrepancy between visual input and the body's sense of motion.

Customization options allow users to adjust the appearance of these animated bubbles, including their shape, color, and opacity. A "Random Change" option enables the colors and shapes to alter periodically.

Apple introduced a similar feature for iPhones with iOS 18 two years prior. Motion sickness typically arises from a mismatch between what the eyes perceive and the motion the inner ear detects.