What you need to know
- Google just released a trifecta of updates for Maps.
- Google Maps gets a new immersive way for users to “visit” a landmark on their phone via photorealistic aerial views.
- Biking routes are slated to receive more information in the coming weeks, such as route details and what obstacles might stand in your way.
- The Share Location feature will allow a person to set up a notification letting them know when their loved one has reached a specified destination.
Google Maps takes a triple hit with its recent update to better share location and more information while traveling throughout the year. A lot of people travel during the summer, and Google’s recent launch of some updates to Maps aims to make it a little easier. Today, Google brings features that improve its immersive view, biking route information, and location sharing.
(image credit: google)
The first new feature aims to help users “experience global destinations in a whole new way,” thanks to the new Immersive View announced at Google’s I/O. According to the company, it brings “photorealistic aerial views of nearly 100 of the world’s most popular destinations.” AI-powered imaging, using Street View and other aerial imaging, should give people a good look at a landmark on their phone without needing to be there physically. Google is looking at it to help people determine whether their next trip should get them there.
The next feature is to bring more information about cycling routes. Google has added a way for users to compare biking routes and see details like height, traffic, and potential obstacles like stairs or steep hills. Google Maps will also inform you whether your biking route will take you on a main or side road.
The last feature to come to Maps gives its location sharing feature a helpful social upgrade. Sharing your location with someone or multiple people on Google Maps lets you see where they are, their phone battery percentage, and where they may be. This new update improves on key elements by allowing users to set up a notification for the person who has shared their location with them; This way, they will know when the person arrived or left at a place.
(image credit: google)
Google says it has put in place security measures to ensure that only the person with whom you’ve shared your location will receive this notification, if they have one set up. That person will receive two notifications: one as a push notification and the other as an email. Plus, Google will also let the person sharing their location know if anyone has reported their arrival at a particular destination.
Users still have the option of not sharing their location with anyone if they do not want certain information to be known.
Google has started rolling out updates for the Share Location feature and landmarks globally on Android phones and iOS. However, new biking route information will be coming in the coming weeks where available.
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