Google Maps update improves navigation functions, adds Driving Mode

[Jeff Causey]

​

Google has started rolling out an update to the Google Maps app that includes some significant changes to the Navigation portion of the app. The app on mobile devices is getting updated to version 9.19, although some of the new features appear to require Google to flip a switch on your account on the server side of things. The headliner for this latest update is a new Driving Mode that has been added to the app.

Driving Mode appears to be a merging of some Google Now functions, some Waze features, and existing Maps functions, putting them all on steroids, and letting your device become much more useful when navigating. When Driving Mode is launched – which can be done via the overflow menu or using a new button placed on a home screen – the app will analyze your location, search history, and probably other data sources like your calendar and Maps own timeline history, to predict where you are heading. Using that prediction, Maps will provide an ETA and alert you to road conditions and hazards. Waze users will be familiar with how some of this works and anyone who commutes regularly is probably used to getting Google Now cards related to their home or work locations.

Google tweaked the audio controls when users are in the Navigation portion of the app. A new button appears between the Search button and the Compass button. Pressing on it brings up options to set audio alerts to “muted,” “alerts only” or “unmuted.” This will be useful for those drivers out there who want to dispense with a constant litany of turn-by-turn notifications.

Google also modified the timeline options some to give users a little more control over the information contained there. This includes new options over the appearance of photos showing up in the timeline or if search and app activity should be used when editing locations.

In a teardown of the app, it looks like Google is also getting ready to add some options related to a “to-do list” although it is unclear exactly what this refers to. Some sources think Google may be planning to add multi-point routing capabilities to Google Maps, an often requested feature. Another possibility is Google may be making a connection with the new Reminders function they recently added to the Google Calendar app making to-do items location aware and added to the Driving Mode mix.

source: Android Police




Come comment on this article: Google Maps update improves navigation functions, adds Driving Mode

Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!​

News via TalkAndroid