Google is testing Android Motion Cues, visual anchors that sync with vehicle movement to reduce motion sickness. See how it works and when it might launch.
© B. Naumkin
Google is developing a new Android feature designed to help users manage motion sickness when using a smartphone in transit. The tool, spotted in test builds of the OS, is called Motion Cues.
At its core, the technology adds visual anchors to the screen. Animated dots appear along the edges of the display and move in step with a car, train, or other vehicle. These elements give peripheral vision a stable reference and help the brain reconcile signals from the eyes and the vestibular system—the mismatch that often triggers nausea and discomfort. It’s a straightforward idea that feels surprisingly practical.
A key aspect of Motion Cues is its deep integration into Android. The feature runs on top of any app, not as a separate store download. That makes it more reliable and broadly useful: there’s no need to launch a third-party tool before every ride, a small usability choice that could determine whether people actually stick with it.
For now, the feature is in active testing. Early builds show minor limitations—for example, the indicators temporarily hide when certain system menus open. Google’s engineers are already working to smooth out those issues. Control over Motion Cues is expected to be limited to system components, which should enhance stability and security.
With more people scrolling, reading, and watching video on the move, a tool like this feels timely. If it reaches public release, Motion Cues could become a standard way to counter motion sickness for millions of Android users. The feature may arrive in a future version of the OS, possibly Android 17.