Tag: Google Maps
Tech Digest daily round up: Google Maps to direct drivers to ‘eco-friendly’ routes
Google Maps will start directing drivers along routes estimated to generate the lowest carbon emissions based on traffic, slopes and other factors, the company announced on Tuesday. Google said the feature would launch later this year in the U.S. and eventually reach other countries as part of its commitment to help combat climate change through…
Google Maps app adds more voice navigation for visually impaired
Google is adding more detailed voice navigation options to its Google Maps app in an effort to help those with visual impairments. The feature, which is only available in the US and Japan for the moment, is designed to give blind people greater confidence and reassurance when travelling around in unfamiliar areas alone. Those with…
Google Maps to offer cycling and ride-sharing options
Finding the fastest way from A to B across multiple modes of transport is about to get easier with the latest update on Google Maps. The app will now allow users to pair transit directions with ride-sharing options, as the tech giant aims to make the first or last mile easier. Cyclists will also be…
Google Maps expands Live View AR navigation tool
Google Maps users on smartphones can now use virtual arrows to help them follow directions in the navigation app. Known as Live View, the feature uses augmented reality (AR) to overlay the digital arrows onto the real world as seen through a smartphone camera. Combined with a 2D map at the bottom of the screen,…
Google Maps adds crowdedness predictions for UK public transport
Google is introducing a new feature to its Maps app that will help commuters hoping to avoid packed trains and buses during rush hour. Crowdedness predictions, which work out how busy trains, buses and Tube journeys are likely to be based on past rides, are coming to 18 cities and towns across the UK. The…
Volvo embeds Google Assistant, Google Play Store and Google Maps in next gen infotainment system
Scandinavian car company Volvo Cars is working with Google to embed the voice-controlled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services into its next-generation Sensus infotainment system, based on Google’s Android operating system. It's hoped that Volvo Cars’ intended partnership with Google will further enhance the way Volvo customers engage with and…
The top 3 pros and cons of using Waze instead of Google Maps
Navigation apps are an essential tool nowadays, providing most people with a solution to crucial commutes within different areas. Waze and Google Maps are among the top and most popular navigation apps which can be used on iOS and Android for free. Waze was designed in 2013 by an Israeli company. However, it was bought…
Google Maps doubles as Pac Man. April Fool or just really good fun?
It's probably just yet another April Fool's joke (they do get a bit tiresome don't they). But Google Maps actually has a Pac Man icon in the bottom left that turns the streets where you live into a giant arcade game and it's really good fun (unfortunately if you live somewhere really rural you will…
Google Maps adds real-time train data
Google Maps has juts got that little bit better for British users - the company has announced it now uses National Rail's real time data to augment its route planning. This means that when plotting a route, if a train is delayed Google will know - so will suggest alternatives instead. Brilliant. According to TechRadar,…
Now you can embed Google Street View and Photosphere imagery
Google has updated its maps software so that website developers can now embed Google Street View images directly into web pages. The update also works for "Photospheres" - which is what Google calls Street View for the insides of buildings - like you can see in the above embed. The even better news for developers…