Many habits have changed in response to COVID-19 lockdowns, and that is reflected in large services like Google Maps. The company saw an “up to a 50% decrease in worldwide traffic,” which has required road predictions to be retooled. Meanwhile, Google Maps has “significantly” improved ETAs by leveraging DeepMind AI.
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Following Android Automotive’s launch with the Polestar 2, Google released a support page for car owners. It specifically focuses on how to use Google Assistant, Maps, and the Play Store, starting with the set-up process.
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Google Maps now lets you pay directly for street parking inside the app on Android and iOS. Leveraging Google Pay, the company partnered with Passport on this integration, which is first coming to Austin, Texas.
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Google Maps is used by millions of people on a daily basis to get around, and Google is often building out new features to make the service even better. Now, it’s been revealed that Google Maps is testing out showing traffic lights on streets, but possible only on Android.
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As part of the big Maps redesign in February, Google prominently placed “Saved” in the bottom bar. Google Maps is now rolling out a redesigned “Saved” tab with some new features.
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As wildfires are raging in California, Google Maps is adding a new feature to keep people safe. Starting today, the entire US can search for information on wildfires through Google and see maps that help keep them safe.
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In recent months, Google has rolled out a number of tools and initiatives to help SMBs navigate the lack of in-person business and come online. The latest makes it easier for them to update Business Profiles directly from Google Maps and Search.
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Google today announced two big features for its mapping service on Apple platforms. After removing in 2017, Google Maps is bringing back its Apple Watch app, as well as adding support for CarPlay Dashboard.
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Despite Apple offering its own option, Google Maps is still the most popular navigation app for iPhone. With the latest Google Maps update on iOS, though, some users are reporting that Street View is broken.
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With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Google hasn’t been shy about sharing safety tips for users. In another positive change to Google Maps, the company is now showing a banner that encourages people to wear a mask when they go out.
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Last month, CEO Sundar Pichai said that Google would “develop initiatives and product ideas that support long-term solutions” for the Black community. One of these efforts is a way for Black-owned businesses to identify themselves in Google Maps and Search, with that attribute launching today.
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Amid COVID-19, Google says that requests for biking directions in Maps hit an all-time high last month. Google Maps is now working to add the latest routes, while adding end-to-end directions that incorporate docked bikeshare services.
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Besides Lens, Google’s big bet on augmented reality is in Maps. AR walking directions rolled out to Android and iOS last year, with more features on the way. Google Maps is now using Live View to calibrate your location.
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Back in 2018, Google Maps for Android and iOS introduced a way for customers to directly contact stores. Google today is expanding Business Messages in Maps and adding more functionality.
In addition to new auto-delete defaults, Google is making it easier to control key privacy settings. Google Account controls will be directly available in Search, while Incognito Mode is becoming more ubiquitous.
In addition to being a fun way to explore the world, Street View helps users get their bearings before visiting a new location. Google Maps is now testing AR-esque place marker overlays that make Street View even more of a wayfinding tool.
Google seems to always be working on new features for its various services, including Google Maps. Today, Jane Wong posted to Twitter a bunch of new features coming to Maps — here’s a breakdown.
Google Local Guides of varying levels often get treats and perks for helping improve the Google Maps experience. Now, if you’re a UK-based Local Guide you could be in receipt of £10 free Deliveroo credit.
Every summer, Google Marketing Live is a conference announcing the company’s latest advertising products. Google is now making these announcements over the next several weeks, and starting with new features for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), like square-shaped Promoted pins in Google Maps.
Washington, DC, has seen many protests over the past few weeks regarding racial inequality. As a part of that, part of 16th Street in front of the White House has been renamed as “Black Lives Matter Plaza,” and, now, Google Maps has finally updated its satellite imagery to show the “Black Lives Matter” mural.
Back in 2018, Google Maps added built-in media playback controls when navigating on iOS and Android. An update this week sees Google Maps finally support YouTube Music on the latter platform.
Last month, Google Photos celebrated its fifth anniversary. Nothing marked the occasion, but a bottom bar redesign of the mobile app is underway, and the Android app today reveals work on a way to browse images on a map.
Amid stay at home orders, Google Maps might have become one of your least used applications in recent weeks. As people return, Google Maps is now highlighting important information, like crowds, for public transit and car commutes.
The past couple of weeks in the US and the world as a whole have seen protestors speak out against racial inequality following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. One area where protests have been especially present is in the nation’s capital, Washington DC and now, Google Maps has renamed a portion of 16th street as “Black Lives Matter Plaza.”
