Whether you’re on the hunt for cozy cafes or have plans for a long weekend trip, Google Maps has been the tour guide for each of us at some point. With its extensive features, it has made it easier for users to discover and navigate locations. But hold on tight, recently Google has dropped some really exciting features that will probably take your map-scrolling routine to just another level. So, what exactly are these new updates in Google Maps on Android? We’ll discuss more about it in detail, so stay tuned till the end.
New Google Maps Updates in Android
Detailed and interactive maps with real-time traffic updates, 360-degree street view, satellite imagery, and whatnot? Google Maps is loaded with tons of features. And, to provide innovative features that improve the user experience, they are consistently introducing updates. Let’s read more about the new features.
1. Immersive View for Routes
Google Maps is reimagining the way we plan our trips with AI. It has recently announced Immersive View for routes that will allow you to preview every step of your journey whether it starts with walking, cycling, or driving. It uses AI to fuse billions of Street View and aerial images. So, you can check your route in a multidimensional view from start to finish. Currently, this update is available only in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice on Android and iOS.
2. Detailed Map with New Colors
Google Maps will now offer a more detailed and accurate navigation map with updated colors. For example, one could see realistic images of buildings & pillars, etc. Moreover, in the U.S., users will be able to see HOV lanes in the routes. It is also expanding the AI-powered speed limit information to 20 countries in Europe.
Additionally, there are also changes to the color palette used in Google Maps. For example, the new shade of green used for parks and nature is now lighter than the original one, roads now appear grey instead of off-white, etc.
Also Read: Waze Vs Google Maps Vs Apple Maps: Comparision
3. Lens in Maps
Formerly known as Search with Live View, Google is now introducing this feature as Lens in Maps with the integration of artificial intelligence. It lets users find information about their nearby locations, such as restaurants, stores, landmarks, etc using the Lens. Just tap the Google Lens icon in the search bar and point your phone towards the surroundings. Currently, it has been rolled out in more than 50 cities including Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, etc.
4. Photo-Based Results
Google Maps are going to be more interactive now. Unlike earlier, now when you search for something, let’s say cakes for dogs. It will first display photo-first results that are based on the analysis of billions of photos shared by the Google Maps community. It just gets easier for you to find the best spot. You can even tap on the places that interest you for more info and save them for future visits. Presently, it is available in France, Germany, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. and is expanding over more countries.
5. Search for Gas Prices
Not just gas stations, you’ll now also get the ability to search gas prices in Google Maps and decide to visit the one that offers appropriate prices. All you have to do is type Gas prices in the search bar and you’ll have all the detailed information.
Also Read: How to Find Nearest Gas Station on Google Maps
6. Find the Best Transit Route
Google Maps can help you a lot of time with its transit directions update. You can now select the best route to your destination based on key factors, like ETA, number of transfers, and the length of your trip. Moreover, you can easily customize your route with filters that let you select the type of transit, check the station entrances and exits, the side of the street, and if there’s a clear walking route.
In over 80 countries around the world including New York City, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, etc., you can also see exactly where the station entrances or exists are and which side of the street you’re on.
7. Search for Stops Along Your Drive
Imagine you’re visiting your sister and you forgot to buy toys for the kids, no worries, all you have to do is look up toy stores along your way and you’ll have the list at your hand in just a blink of an eye. This feature can help you find grocery stores, rest stops, gas stations, hotels, and more along the way to help you avoid a major detour.
8. Avoid Tolls and Busy Roads
Google Maps’ innovative approach to help you turn off and avoid tolls and busy roads. You can select the type of route you want to avoid and the map will direct you accordingly. Less tolls, less crowd, more saving of time as well as money.
9. Pay for Public Transit with Maps
Google Maps can now help you pay for public transit and promote contactless payment. No need for you to pull out your wallet in the cold breeze. So, while traveling in a commuter train into a city, and then using the city transit system like subways and buses, maps will allow you to purchase all your transit tickets through more than 250 ticketing partners around the world.
10. Bring Holiday Fun with Emoji Reactions
You can now react with emojis on Google Maps when you see a photo, video, or review to help others in the community decide whether to visit a place or not. In some cases even create mashup reactions with the help of AI and Emoji Kitchen. Moreover, Just react to a photo of your favorite dish with a yummy face and you’ll automatically get an emoji reaction that’s tailored to the content in the photo.
11. Plan and Collaborate with Friends
People this holiday season are wrapping up their work, inviting friends for dinner, planning small trips, and much more. Google Maps with its new update has made it easier for you to share places, plan with friends, instantly create a collaborative list, and vote with an emoji. Moreover, add emojis to denote a place such as a cupcake to denote all the bakeries, a book for libraries, etc.
Also Read: How to Create and Share Google Maps Saved Places List (Android and iPhone)
12. Get Real-time EV Charging Station Information
Most of us are shifting towards electronic vehicles, and they need charging stations. Google Maps will now provide all the necessary information about the charging station nearby so that you don’t have to worry about running out of battery mid-trip. It is now available globally on iOS and Android.
- You can even get information about the charger’s compatibility with your vehicle.
- You can see whether the available chargers are fast, medium, or slow.
- Companies will show real-time EV charging station information including when it was last used.
AI’s integration in the recent Google Maps updatesis all set to improve our navigation experience. We hope our blog helped you understand the features better. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments section.Stay connected to Techcult for more such informative articles.
