Google Maps Stories March 20
After being announced almost a year ago back at I/O 2022, Google Maps “Immersive View” finally appears to be rolling out more widely.
Google Maps Stories March 17
Compared to Maps for Android and iOS, Google makes relatively few visual updates to the Maps website. Google Maps is now testing a sidebar on the web that provides convenient access to recently viewed places.
Google Maps Stories March 13
Google Maps and Android Auto should go together quite nicely, as both are developed and maintained by the same company. However, users have been reporting increasing issues with Google Maps in Android Auto not working as it should, with GPS issues being the lead issue.
Google Maps Stories February 22
Android Auto has long carried a frustrating restriction that prevents Google Maps from being opened on the connected phone, but it appears that is finally changing.
Google Maps Stories February 20
I find Google Maps Immersive View to be one of the company’s more curious announcements in the past year. Will this mode become a big way to use Google Maps, or is it closer to Google Earth’s novelty?
Google Maps Stories February 17
After previewing glanceable directions and rolling out Wear OS 3 AOD support, Google Maps is getting a small tweak to the photo viewer.
Google Maps Stories February 11
In Wear OS 3, many apps currently lack always-on display/ambient mode support and putting down your wrist while something is active will just blur your screen and show the time. Google Maps has now been updated with AOD support on the Pixel Watch and other Wear OS 3 devices, as well as a main UI tweak.
Google Maps Stories February 8
Google is expanding the availability of AR features in Maps, as well as adding glanceable directions to the Android and iOS lockscreens.
Google Maps Stories February 2
Google admits to taking down some Maps reviews that should have stayed up
Google Maps reviews are a powerful tool for learning more about the businesses you’re near, and moderation is key to ensuring those reviews are actually useful. In recent weeks, though, Google has admitted to taking down some reviews that weren’t breaking any policies.
Google Maps Stories January 31
Google Maps for Android will soon make it easier to plan longer road trips in your electric vehicle, offering planned charging stops along your route.
Google Maps Stories January 26
Some Android Auto users seeing ‘Searching for GPS’ issue with Google Maps
If your Android Auto sessions lately have been plagued with a “Searching for GPS” issue, you’re not alone.
Google Maps Stories January 24
After first appearing on the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 in mid-December, the Google Maps app now fully works.
Google Maps Stories January 11
As previously teased, Google Maps for Wear OS now supports turn-by-turn navigation without needing a paired phone for LTE watch owners.
Google Maps Stories December 21, 2022
Sense 2 and Versa 4 owners can now download Google Maps for Fitbit, but the actual step-by-step navigation does not currently work.
Google Maps Stories December 19, 2022
How Google Maps on Fitbit Sense 2 & Versa 4 will work: Set-up, features, Android first, iPhone later
Following Wallet support and the first update last month, Fitbit is getting ready to launch Google Maps on the Sense 2 and Versa 4.
Google Maps Stories December 16, 2022
Google Duplex powering ‘where to watch the World Cup near me’ searches
While Duplex on the Web is going away, Google is still committed to the voice version of the conversational technology that can make human-sounding calls and maintain real conversations. Google’s latest use of Duplex is behind “where to watch the World Cup near me” searches.
Google Maps could get new competition as Meta, Microsoft, and more team up
Google Maps is a powerful tool for navigating our world, but it doesn’t have a ton of strong competition. That may soon change, though, as a new mapping initiative backed by Meta, Microsoft, and other big names gets going in the “Overture Maps Foundation.”
Google Maps Stories December 7, 2022
The Waze team is being merged into the organization responsible for Google Maps, though no changes to the end-user experience were announced as part of this internal change.
Google Maps Stories November 29, 2022
Google Maps having widespread issues with voice search on CarPlay
Google Maps relies on voice search, opting to keep you safe while on your drive. Unfortunately, it looks like the voice search feature in Google Maps for CarPlay is breaking for a number of users, only working after multiple attempts.
Google Maps Stories November 17, 2022
Back in September, Google previewed the ability for Search to find “Nearby dishes,” and this capability is now rolling out today along with a pair of feature expansions in Google Maps.
Back in September, Google previewed the ability to search for nearby places using augmented reality. AR search in Google Maps Live View will start rolling out next week, while Google Lens multisearch will let you take a food picture and see where the dish is available nearby.
Google Maps Stories November 16, 2022
Android Auto bug breaks rotary controls on Google Maps for vehicles without a touchscreen
Android Auto is currently beta testing its next generation, but some users without the update are seeing an issue as an Android Auto bug has broken non-touchscreen rotary controls, specifically with Google Maps.
Google Maps Stories November 15, 2022
The latest Fitbit smartwatches are the first available under Google’s reigns, and as such they’re adding support for a couple of key Google services. After launching Google Wallet today, we’re now getting a first look at Google Maps integration on the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4.
Google Maps Stories November 10, 2022
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup kicking off on November 20, Google is adding a handful of features to help fans keep track of the tournament across Search, Maps, and Google TV.
Google Maps Stories November 1, 2022
Google is preparing to shut down the dedicated Street View app on Android, keeping the feature in Google Maps.
Google Maps update on Wear OS breaks home & work shortcuts on Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch
If you have a Wear OS 3 smartwatch, including the Google Pixel Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, a recent update to Google Maps appears to have broken the navigation shortcuts for home and work locations.
Google Maps Stories October 26, 2022
In a relatively quiet move, Google Maps has removed a layer from its app that showed COVID-19 hotspots.
Google Maps Stories October 18, 2022
It’s not often we talk about iOS or iPhone over here at 9to5Google, but for those entrenched within the Apple hardware ecosystem, you have access to a number of iOS-exclusive Google app lock screen widgets you won’t find on Android. Are they any good? We’ve gone hands-on to find out if Android users are missing out.
Google Maps Stories October 13, 2022
Google is wrapping up the rollout of its iOS 16 Lock Screen widgets with Maps and Search for a total of six updated iPhone applications.
Google Maps Stories October 7, 2022
Earlier this week, Google told us that the Maps integration in Assistant Driving Mode is going away. The company’s confirmation following a “sunset” notice we discovered in the Google app turned out to be incorrect, and Google now tells us it is shutting down the entire Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard that was announced at I/O 2019.
Google Maps Stories October 4, 2022
In May of 2019, Google Assistant Driving Mode was announced to replace “Android Auto for Phone Screens.” The launch occurred slowly, with the previous experience not going away until this June. Assistant Driving Mode is now losing Google Maps integration and this noticeably changes the experience to the point where it’s no longer an Android Auto replacement.
Google Maps Stories October 3, 2022
The latest update to the Fitbit app prepares for the launch of Google Maps on the Versa 4 and Sense 2, but you’ll still need your smartphone handy.
Google Maps Stories October 2, 2022
Some Google Maps Local Guides are being offered Google Fi service for free
Google Maps reviews can sometimes earn you perks, and currently, some Local Guides are being offered Google Fi service free of charge.
Google Maps Stories September 28, 2022
Google Maps Stories September 19, 2022
Labels in Google Maps: How to save and organize your favorite places
Google Maps is one of the most useful tools for finding new places to visit, the best restaurants in town, or even some areas to avoid during high traffic. One way to make it easier for yourself is to create lists and place labels on your favorite spots in Google Maps. Here’s how.
Google Maps Stories September 15, 2022
How to get Google Maps alerts when friends or family leave or arrive somewhere
Google Maps has a well-designed location tracking feature for friends and family to use to keep up with each other’s whereabouts. Now, Google has added a new fully customizable Maps tool to send alerts whenever a friend or family member leaves or arrives somewhere.
Google Maps Stories September 12, 2022
With iOS 16 launching for the iPhone today, Google is detailing upcoming Lock Screen widgets across six major apps set to arrive over the coming weeks.
Google Maps Stories September 6, 2022
Google Maps can now provide the “most fuel-efficient route” possible if you specify your car’s engine type, while eco-friendly routing is coming to all of Europe.
Google Maps Stories August 25, 2022
Google is rolling out a change to Maps and Search that explicitly notes whether a place provides a specific, confirmed service, starting with healthcare facilities that offer abortions and veterans hospitals.
Google Maps Stories August 12, 2022
Last year Google Maps added support for showing routes that are eco-friendly and fuel-saving in the United States, with the promise that those routes would expand in the future. Now, Google Maps is bringing fuel-saving routes to Germany.
Google Maps Stories August 10, 2022
Samsung can take credit for helping give Wear OS new life, and it’s an effort that’s paying off for everyone. During Unpacked today, Google revealed a few new features coming to Wear OS later this year, including a revamped Play Store and better Google Maps support.
Google Maps Stories August 1, 2022
Google Street View now operating in India with help from local organizations
Google Maps Street View hasn’t been able to get a foothold in India and implement some of its features since 2011; that is, until now. With help from some local organizations, Google Maps is bringing 360-degree panoramic view to 10 cities in India, with more to come in the next two years.
Google Maps Stories July 27, 2022
In addition to location sharing notifications, Google Maps is getting more detailed cycling route information and nearly 100 aerial views of iconic landmarks.
Google is rolling out a handful of new Maps features for the summer, but the highlight is a significant update to location sharing that lets you receive arrival and departure notifications.
Google Maps Stories July 19, 2022
How to flag and report scam business reviews on Google Maps and Search
Local businesses are getting hit hard by scam one-star reviews on Google Maps and Search. Fortunately, there’s a way to report what you think are scammers trying to sully a local business’ good name. This guide will take you through the steps of flagging scam reviews on Google Maps and Google Search.
Google Maps Stories July 18, 2022
Small businesses, especially ones that only operate in a local area, can live or die based on their reputation. Lately, that very reputation has been the target of scammers, as one-star reviews left on Google products demand payment in gift cards to take down the reviews. If you own an affected business, Google is on the case.
Google Maps Stories July 14, 2022
Google Maps is preparing to expand its fuel-efficient routing options by specifically tailoring to electric vehicles, hybrids, and more.
Google Maps Stories July 7, 2022
Google said today that its first-party apps offer over 30 widgets on Android. An upcoming widget from Google Maps will provide the latest on nearby traffic at your current location.
