Google has updated its Google Maps apps with the addition of new features such as Street View support on Android and current weather information on iPhone. But they’re not stopping there. The tech giant now wants to add even more useful features that were previously only available on the Waze app.
The new features that are coming to the Google Maps apps with the latest update are essentially tricks that will improve users’ commuting experience. Once the Google Maps app gets the aforementioned update, users will enjoy additional Waze-like features such as more detailed incident reports and the ability to save your favorite public transit methods for quick and easy access.
The incident reporting tool that Waze offers is one of the features that makes the navigation app so powerful because it allows drivers to spot speed traps and crashes. And now they’re planning to add support for other types of incident reporting, including disabled vehicles, objects on the road, lane closures, and road constructions.
Also, those who use Google Maps for public transit will be glad to know that Google is adding a new feature that will make your commute planning easier by allowing you to save your favorite transit methods on the fly. Once enabled, Your Transit tab will appear on the menu and you’ll be able to find and access public transportation routes and methods that you’ve previously starred.
Being able to access this type of real-time information will help users reduce their commute times and also allow drivers to change their routes in case there are issues on the road ahead. However, we’re still not sure when the new incident types will be available on the Google Maps app.
Also, in an effort to simplify the notifications experience, Google is removing three categories. Notifications will now be grouped into six categories and you’ll be able to customize notifications for each one of them.
Some of the new features are already available for Google Maps 10.24 beta users. So you’ll have to sign up for the beta version to try them out.
Have you tried any of these new Google Maps features? Share your thoughts in the comments below.