Photo: Google
Google Maps is about to receive another major update, as parent company Google has announced a series of new features supposed to roll out in the coming months for both iPhone and Android.
First and foremost, it’s the new eco-friendly routes that we told you about yesterday and that allow Google Maps to provide users with more fuel-efficient navigation. In other words, Google Maps will now try to determine the fuel consumption for every route and then suggest the most efficient one based on factors like road incline and traffic congestion.
That will be the default route calculation model going forward, but users can switch back to the fastest route from the settings screen. The feature will launch in the United States first, with both Android and iOS to get it later this year.
Then, Google Maps is getting indoor navigation with Live View. Airports, transit stations, and malls will all allow you to use the phone’s cameras to scan the surroundings and get directions on which way to go to reach a specific point. You’ll therefore see AR-based navigation right on your screen, along with additional information that will guide you to the destination even indoors.
Indoor AR-based navigation is already available on Android and iOS in some malls in Chicago, Los Angeles, Long Island, Newark, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Still, Google says it’ll also launch in several airports, malls, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich in the coming months.
Google Maps is also updated with a new weather layer, allowing you to see live weather information right on the map in real time. The application will thus show the forecasted temperature and the weather condition in each area, making it easier to plan your route accordingly.
A new air quality indicator has also been added, and Google says this should come in handy specifically to those with allergies.
The new weather layer will debut on Android and iOS in the coming months based on data provided by The Weather Company, AirNow.gov, and the Central Pollution Board. However, the air quality indicator will only be available in the U.S., India, and Australia at first.
That will be the default route calculation model going forward, but users can switch back to the fastest route from the settings screen. The feature will launch in the United States first, with both Android and iOS to get it later this year.
Then, Google Maps is getting indoor navigation with Live View. Airports, transit stations, and malls will all allow you to use the phone’s cameras to scan the surroundings and get directions on which way to go to reach a specific point. You’ll therefore see AR-based navigation right on your screen, along with additional information that will guide you to the destination even indoors.
Indoor AR-based navigation is already available on Android and iOS in some malls in Chicago, Los Angeles, Long Island, Newark, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Still, Google says it’ll also launch in several airports, malls, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich in the coming months.
Google Maps is also updated with a new weather layer, allowing you to see live weather information right on the map in real time. The application will thus show the forecasted temperature and the weather condition in each area, making it easier to plan your route accordingly.
A new air quality indicator has also been added, and Google says this should come in handy specifically to those with allergies.
The new weather layer will debut on Android and iOS in the coming months based on data provided by The Weather Company, AirNow.gov, and the Central Pollution Board. However, the air quality indicator will only be available in the U.S., India, and Australia at first.
Google News