Google Maps gets some big changes — here’s what new

Google Maps gets some big changes — here's what new

(Epitome credit: Google)

Google's AI efforts aren't limited to calculation kind-of-creepy movements to photos or hologram-like video messaging. The software giant is also taking its software smarts and applying them to Google Maps, introducing new capabilities to the popular directions app.

Google detailed these Maps improvements during its Google I/O keynote. The changes will roll out to both Android and iOS versions of the mapping software in the coming months and innovate a few new features while enhancing some of the Maps capabilities you may already be using.

How to use Google Maps: Essential tips and tricks
Which navigation apps is best? Google Maps vs. Apple Maps
Plus: Google LaMDA takes Google Assistant to the next level

For instance, terminal August, Google launched detailed street maps, which depicted the verbal location of sidewalks, crosswalks and other information you might need to safely get from Point A to Point B. Detailed street maps will be rolling out to 50 more than cities before the year is out, Google says, with places like Berlin, Seattle and Singapore prepare to add back up.

Other Google Maps changes are a lot more substantial, though, including new routing options likewise as enhancements to the AR overlays bachelor in Maps. Here'southward a await at five of the more interesting Google Maps changes that are coming to your phone.

Google Maps eco-friendly routes

Enquire Google Maps for directions to a place, and you'll likely get several different routes — the fastest route, plus a few alternatives. Going forward, Google says that Maps volition include the most fuel-efficient route also.

Google IO 2021 — Google Maps — (Paradigm credit: Google)

Presumably, Google's AI volition take into account traffic information, optimal driving speeds and traffic lights to calculate which route gets you to your destination in the most fuel efficient way. It's the sort of feature that could Google Maps a leg up on Apple tree Maps, where the eco-friendly nod is to include EV charging stations forth the route for users with electric vehicles.

Google Maps safer routes

Google also plans to use its motorcar learning skills to calculate safer routes, based on helping yous avoid situations where you lot might take to suddenly break. Specifically, Google Maps volition take into account how many lanes there are on the roads y'all may drive over and how direct the route is, using that data to identify the road where you lot're to the lowest degree probable to have to slam on the brakes. That, in turn, should reduce the likelihood of accidents along the way.

Should the estimated time of inflow for the safest route be the same or not that different from other routes, Maps will automatically recommend that grade.

Google Maps Alive View enhancements

The Live View mode in Google Maps taps into augmented reality to give y'all real fourth dimension directions. Subsequent updates have added support for indoor directions, too. The latest updates will make it easier to access Live View directly from a map, while calculation other relevant info.

Specifically, AR overlays will show what shops and restaurants are effectually you lot. Yous can can tap to encounter how decorated they are, read recent reviews and become other info.

Google Maps street view — (Image credit: Google)

Just as helpful will be new virtual street signs to help you navigate specially tricky intersections — something you'll really welcome if yous ever come across a roundabout where several dissimilar streets spin off in all kinds of directions. Travelers will too be able to see where they are in relation to their hotel with the aid of Live View.

Google Maps busyness information

Ane of the great things nearly Google Maps is that information technology can tell you when specific businesses and points of interest are probable to experience a lot of foot traffic, and then that y'all tin plan your visit appropriately. (The characteristic is and then helpful, in fact, that Apple is rumored to be working on its ain version for a future update to Apple Maps.)

Google plans to expand its tools for measuring how busy places are, with Maps before long to be able to tell you the human foot traffic in specific neighborhoods and sections of cities. The idea is that you can avert the places that are overly crowded — or head straight to them, if you're the kind of person that enjoys a happening scene.

Google Maps recommendation improvements

You tin fire up Google Maps for more than merely directions, equally the mapping software also tin can tell yous about nearby businesses, eateries and other points of involvement. Those suggestions are going to get a lot more focused going forward, co-ordinate to Google.

Specifically, if you launch Google Maps in the morning, you're probable to see recommendations for where to get java or breakfast, as opposed to dinner options. Weekend road trips may be more probable to take points of interest appear within Google Maps.

Philip Michaels is a senior editor at Tom's Guide. He has potent opinions about Apple tree, the Oakland Athletics and old movies. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.