Newsletter
Google Maps is the most popular navigation platform in the world, as many of us use it to get from point A to point B. We all know that it uses a ton of powerful features to give great directions and provide us with relevant information. Well, According to a new announcement, Google Maps just got some new and exciting features.
These features will be rolling out to varying locations at varying paces. Some of these features will only be limited to a handful of cities and countries. So, if you’re not exactly living in a popular city, you will want to be patient.
What new features just came to Google Maps? Let’s start with Immersive View for Routes
Let’s start off with the most exciting addition to the app. During Google I/O this year, Google announced the highly useful Immersive View for Routes. Immersive View came out a while back, and it gives you a high-definition real-time view of certain landmarks. Well, Immersive View brings that same technology and immersion on a more intimate level.
Immersive View for Routes will give you an immersive preview of your journey before you take it. You’ll see the current weather condition of your destination along with the AQI and traffic. Just like with the regular Immersive View, you’ll be able to see how the weather and traffic will change over time.
This is a great feature to get a feel for your trip before you embark. This feature just launched in 15 cities including New York, Tokyo, and San Francisco. It’s going to expand to more places as time goes on.
Lens in Maps
Google has been plugging Lens into more of its products as time goes on. The technology gives Google a set of eyes to scan your real-world location. Now, Lens is coming to Maps.
When you’re in the Google Maps app, all you have to do is tap on the Lens icon. Then, you’ll see the Lens viewfinder with Google Maps data laid over it. Just point your viewfinder at the buildings you want to know about, and you’ll see the Maps label pop up.
This feature is now available in more than 50 cities.
More detailed map
Google Maps is adding more details so you can get a better grasp of your trip. When you zoom into the map, you’ll see each of the individual lanes that are on the road. This will let you know if you’ll need to cross the road to get to your next turn. This also comes with updated colors and even more realistic buildings.
This feature will start rolling out over the next couple of months in 12 countries. These include the US, Canada, Germany, and France.
Next, Maps will show you if there are HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes on your route. These lanes are for vehicles with at least one passenger inside.
Lastly, if you’re in Europe, you’ll start seeing speed limits in 20 more countries.
More information for EV drivers
These new features coming to Google Maps aren’t leaving out EV (electric vehicle) owners. You will want to know more information about charging stations and where to find them. Well, Google is going to provide more information for you to help you avoid running out of juice mid-trip.
If your EV has Google built-in, you’ll see this additional information while using Google Maps on iOS and Android. The app will show you whether an EV station has fast, medium, or slow charging speeds, and it will let you know which stations are compatible with your car.
Also, don’t you hate it when you travel all the way to a station just to see that it’s broken? According to Google, about 25% of all charging stations are down at any given moment. Well, Maps will show you when a station was last used. So, you’ll want to go to the station that was last used this morning as opposed to the one that was last used five months ago.
This will start rolling out globally to Android and iOS users today.
Photo-first results
This is for when you know what you want to do, but you don’t really know where to go. Just type in the type of activity you want to do- for example, type in “Pumpkin patch with my dog”. Then, Google will scan the photos uploaded to different establishments in your area. Then, it will show you those photos on the map where those establishments are.
Also, there’s a bottom panel that you can pull up to access a list of the locations. This is the basic list of the locations, so you’ll be able to see information like the website, contact information, hours of operation, and more.
Thematic results
So, if you have no idea of what to do, and you find yourself in a place with a lot to do, Google has something for you. All you have to do is type “Things to do” in that location. Google will provide you with results just like always, but the results will be much better organized.
You’ll see a list of activities to do that’s organized by themes. The company gave the example of being in Tokyo. If you type “Things to do”, you’ll see a list of different themes like Anime, Cherry Blossoms, etc.
This will be great if you want to do several activities all under one theme. Maybe, you’re in New York, and you want to make it an afternoon of visiting historical locations. That’s something you could do.
This feature will start rolling out globally over the next couple of weeks.