Google Maps rolled out a massive update that added better offline maps, improved navigation and Uber integration.
But while the update is huge, many of the best new features are
subtly tucked away and easy to miss. Here's our guide to Maps' best new
features, and how you can take advantage of them:
Navigation improvements
Navigation has long been one of Google Maps' core features. With the
3.0 update, Google has enhanced the service by adding several
improvements to how routes are displayed, including better route
guidance and more accessible route information.
Navigation now includes lane guidance,
which lets you know whether you are in the correct lane, and gives
drivers a heads-up when it's time to move over. In the U.S., lane
guidance is available for highways and local roads in "major
metropolitan areas." Outside of the U.S., this feature is available for
Canadian highways and non-highway roads in Japan.
Google
also improved the way routes are displayed within Maps, making it
easier to view route details. After selecting a route, users can now
view the estimated travel and arrival time, as well as total distance,
while in navigation mode. And all maps now include a scale bar to help
estimate distances.
Taking public transit? Plan your route
Google Maps is a mainstay for many who rely on public transportation
to get around. Google has now made transit directions even better by
adding new ways for users to plan their route.
Users can plan routes based on desired departure or arrival time, or
choose "last" to see when the last available transit will be. This
feature, available under the "options" menu," is particularly handy in
cites such as San Francisco where public transportation doesn't run all
night in many areas.
Additionally,
when you search for transit (or walking) directions, the results now
surface estimates for an Uber ride if you have the app installed. "Get
an Uber," appears at the end of the list," along with an estimate of how
long said Uber ride will take. Selecting this option opens the Uber app
where you can request a ride.
Get better search results
Search results have also been fine-tuned in Maps to give users more
control over the results, and to make it easier for them to find what
they're looking for.
When searching for restaurants, bars and hotels, users can now filter
search results by price, rating and whether or not an establishment is
currently open.
To
take advantage of the new feature, simply tap the filter button in the
search bar or the results page, and select the desired filters.
Unfortunately, the app doesn't save filter preferences, so you will have
to apply the filters again with each new search.
Google also added a series of features that make it easier to search
for destinations, including voice-enabled searching, which can be
activated by tapping the microphone icon in the search bar. Maps also
now integrates with your device's contacts, so you can search for
destinations based on information stored in your address book.
Going offline? Save Maps for later
Tuesday's update wasn't the first time Google made offline maps
available, though it may be the first time many users have seen the
feature. Previously, maps could only be saved for offline viewing by
typing "OK Maps" into the app's search bar.
With
the Maps 3.0, Google has put offline maps front and center, so users
can easily save maps of any location they search by tapping the place
card, scrolling to the bottom and tapping "save map to use offline."
Saved maps are available across devices, and can be accessed by tapping the profile icon next to the search bar.
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