Google Maps Android Feature Launches on Android Auto, Update Now

Starting in the latest Google Maps version, the application can save the parking location with a simple tap on the screen.

The feature debuted on Android and iPhone in 2017, allowing users to see the vehicle's location on the map when launching Google Maps.

Google not bringing this feature to Android Auto until now sounds ridiculous, mainly because the company has been working on fine-tuning the experience with the app behind the wheel. Android Auto and Android Automotive spearhead Google's automotive ambitions, so keeping Google Maps up-to-date should be a priority in the short and the long term.

However, Google has until now ignored many feature requests, including an option to save the parking location when driving with Google Maps on Android Auto.

The quiet update displays a new option on the screen when arriving at the destination, and users only need to tap the "save parking" toggle to mark the vehicle's location on the map.

The option seems to show up mainly when not stopping at the destination, with Google Maps assuming you're looking for a parking space. Because you don't park at the address you defined in Google Maps, the application offers this option in case you need to go back to the vehicle at a later time. You can use Google Maps on the mobile device for walking directions from your current location to the one marked on the map as a saved parking location.

A recent report indicates that Google Maps could also send notifications about the parking location, helping you know where the vehicle is located in advance. The feature comes in handy for the daily commute if you don't park the car in the same place every day. For example, if you use a park-and-ride service, Google Maps could store the vehicle's location and then display a notification when it's time to leave work.

Users can tap the notification, view the vehicle's location, and receive walking directions from Google Maps. The application might learn your frequent locations and display the notification at different times based on how you use it for navigation on Android Auto.

Google has remained tight-lipped on this update, but the company rarely talks about new Google Maps features on Android Auto unless it's something truly big. If anything, the search giant could mention the update in a blog post introducing more Google Maps features, but I don't expect such an article to go live earlier than January 2024. Until then, you can update Google Maps to the latest version, as the feature should already be there for all Android Auto users.