Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google has just announced a massive Google Maps update that confirms the company hasn’t given up on the app's navigation focus.
The first update is the one we've already seen live in many parts of the world, and which caused controversy among long-time users. The updated colors are now official, with Google explaining their purpose is to "reflect the real world more accurately."
However, the new colors sometimes make it harder for users to distinguish elements on the map, such as forests and water, as Google Maps somehow moves closer to the interface available in Apple Maps in an attempt to offer a more modern UI.
Google says the updated interface will also include realistic buildings to help users understand where they are and follow the suggested route more easily.
Highways are getting a massive overhaul on Google Maps, as they include improved lane details to guide you to the next exit. Highways on Google Maps will show the correct number of lanes, as well as the lane you must use to continue the route. Google Maps already features lane assistance, but with this update, the application makes it easier to navigate on highways with multiple lanes, especially when approaching complex exits where you must prepare in advance.
Google says the improved lane assistance will go live in 12 countries in the coming months. Users in the United States, Canada, France, and Germany will be among the first to get the update.
Americans have another reason to stick with Google Maps. The Mountain View-based search giant is adding HOV lanes, though it's unclear if it also plans to add a setting to search for routes that include HOV lanes. A toggle similar to highways and tolls would be a great addition, especially if drivers are particularly interested in routes with HOV lanes.
The company has also prepared a little something for European users. Google Maps will get AI-powered speed limit information in 20 more countries.
The HOV lane support and the new speed info will start rolling out in the coming months on Android, iOS, and Android Automotive.
Google is also kicking off the Immersive View for routes, which allows users to preview their routes in Google Maps before starting driving, walking, or cycling. Immersive View is a multidimensional view that uses satellite imagery and photos from Street View to create a realistic version of a specific region. With the preview support, drivers can explore these regions before they leave on a trip so they can see each turn, expected traffic conditions, the weather forecast, and other details.
The Immersive View for routes starts rolling out this week in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice. It'll be available on Android and iOS in the Google Maps app.
However, the new colors sometimes make it harder for users to distinguish elements on the map, such as forests and water, as Google Maps somehow moves closer to the interface available in Apple Maps in an attempt to offer a more modern UI.
Google says the updated interface will also include realistic buildings to help users understand where they are and follow the suggested route more easily.
Highways are getting a massive overhaul on Google Maps, as they include improved lane details to guide you to the next exit. Highways on Google Maps will show the correct number of lanes, as well as the lane you must use to continue the route. Google Maps already features lane assistance, but with this update, the application makes it easier to navigate on highways with multiple lanes, especially when approaching complex exits where you must prepare in advance.
Google says the improved lane assistance will go live in 12 countries in the coming months. Users in the United States, Canada, France, and Germany will be among the first to get the update.
Americans have another reason to stick with Google Maps. The Mountain View-based search giant is adding HOV lanes, though it's unclear if it also plans to add a setting to search for routes that include HOV lanes. A toggle similar to highways and tolls would be a great addition, especially if drivers are particularly interested in routes with HOV lanes.
The company has also prepared a little something for European users. Google Maps will get AI-powered speed limit information in 20 more countries.
The HOV lane support and the new speed info will start rolling out in the coming months on Android, iOS, and Android Automotive.
Google is also kicking off the Immersive View for routes, which allows users to preview their routes in Google Maps before starting driving, walking, or cycling. Immersive View is a multidimensional view that uses satellite imagery and photos from Street View to create a realistic version of a specific region. With the preview support, drivers can explore these regions before they leave on a trip so they can see each turn, expected traffic conditions, the weather forecast, and other details.
The Immersive View for routes starts rolling out this week in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice. It'll be available on Android and iOS in the Google Maps app.
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