Google announced earlier this year that it would be updating the Google Assistant experience in Google Maps for Android to be less obtrusive, and now that update appears to have begun its rollout.
A Reddit user has noticed that while using navigation in Google Maps, the Google Assistant now takes up a small portion of the bottom of the display. You can also now perform tasks with Assistant like starting a call and rather than be kicked to the dialer, you'll remain in Maps and your call will begin in the background.
The update appears to be slowly rolling out to Android users, so if you use Google Maps, keep an eye out for this improved Google Assistant experience.