Google Maps improves with 8 features designed for the holiday season

Google Maps

Google Maps is an online service and free mobile GPS navigation application that allows you to create routes (car, bike, public transport), save maps, find points of interest, etc.

• Downloads:
  251
• Release date:
  13/11/2024
• Author :
  Google LLC
• License:
  Free license
• Categories:
  

  Leisure – Travel

• Operating system:
  

  Android, Online Service, iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch
  

With Christmas and New Years coming, drivers are going to have a lot of trips to make, whether it's to buy gifts or reach loved ones. To make life easier for users of Maps During this turbulent period, Google has chosen to share 8 very practical features, some of which are new.

The Mountain View firm begins by announcing that it is now possible to search for products in Google Maps in order to find the closest stores that have them in stock.

Gemini is then on hand to “find inspiration for activities to do” during the end-of-year holidays. Google gives as an example the search for “fun” activities in New York, the possibility of asking questions about the chosen place in order to make a decision, such as “Does this place have free parking?”. As a bonus, Gemini summarizes the opinions left on the places displayed in Maps.

The blog post of November 14 then advises taking advantage of the Immersive View functionality in order to visualize upcoming journeys. “Prepare for your trip by anticipating tricky turns, checking traffic forecasts, and understanding the parking situation before hitting the road,” the company adds.

https://blog.google/products/maps/8-ways-to-use-maps-and-more-for-your-holiday-plans/

For those accustomed to cold climates for Christmas, Google says Maps users can now see and report weather disruptions, “such as unplowed, low visibility, or flooded roads.”

Those who move electric vehicle are also entitled to a trip planning function including all the necessary stops to recharge. Maps allows you to enter your vehicle model in the application to be guaranteed to automatically have the stations compatible with your charging socket.

For larger vehicles, specifically taller ones, Maps now offers routes that avoid low-rise bridges and tunnels… but not for everyone. Only the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon are currently affected by this new feature.

It is then possible to report delays on public transport lines. Thanks to this information, all users can be informed live of current disruptions, and possibly change their route to arrive on time for the festivities. Google also points out that Maps now shows “useful details, such as clearly marked subway station entrances and alternate routes, directly on the map.”

The Mountain View firm ends by promoting its new tab “Cheapest price” from Google Flights, allowing you to find the most affordable plane tickets in one click.

Like any blog post from Google, it's unclear if the new features will be US-only to begin with, or if the rollout is complete or underway in other regions.