Pausing Audiobook Playback when Google Maps is speaking

[swarnock89 1]

I love that Emby works with Android Auto! It allows me to easily play audiobooks while driving. One thing that bothers me is that the playback doesn't pause when I have Google maps running and it's giving me verbal directions. Is there a setting I can turn on to do this?

[Luke 42077]

HI, we'll take a look at this. Thanks for reporting.

[swarnock89 1]

Hey has there been any update on this?

[Luke 42077]

Hi, what version of android are you on ?

[swarnock89 1]

3.5.16

[Luke 42077]

@swarnock89I don't think the normal behavior is to pause. On Android this is called audio ducking.

Quote

To adjust audio ducking on Android, use the separate app sound setting in your phone's sound menu to control whether an app like Google Maps pauses or lowers the volume of other apps. You can also use Google Maps' built-in voice volume settings to make navigation prompts louder, or check device-specific accessibility settings like TalkBack audio ducking. 

Please let us know if this helps. Thanks.

[swarnock89 1]

I have tested with podcasts on YouTube Music. The podcast is paused while Google Maps is speaking. From what I can tell, it is up to the app to decide what to do when the audio focus is taken away from it. Currently in Emby, the volume just lowers. This can make you lose anywhere from 5 secs to 20 secs of audio depending on how long the navigation command is. It doesn't really bother me when its a song, but when listening to audiobooks, it can be frustrating.
 

 

Edited November 17, 2025 by swarnock89

[Luke 42077]

@swarnock89did you configure the settings that I linked to?

[swarnock89 1]

No because the settings do not allow me to select Emby. I can only select Youtube Music.