Google Maps turns 15!
Google Maps marked 15 years on the road today with the rollout of new features for the popular mobile app which has helped move navigation into the digital age.
The tech giant is marking the occasion with a new look and product updates.
Google Maps ‘explore tab’
Google has dominated the market for navigation apps in recent years but the latest updates appear aimed at staying ahead of challengers including from Apple, which recently revamped its own maps application.
A Google Maps “explore” tab offers reviews and details regarding restaurants, shops, theaters and other venues, taking advantage of location-sensing capabilities in smartphones.
‘Commute’ tab
A “commute” tab in the Maps application promises to deliver efficient routes to or from work whether people are driving or using public transit.
Countries and territories
Google has more than one billion monthly active users for its app, and has mapped more than 220 countries and territories and offers live traffic updates in 171 countries.
The app has also been a target for disinformation, and Google said it took down some three million fake business profiles entered by users in 2018 alone.
Countries and territories
Google has more than one billion monthly active users for its app, and has mapped more than 220 countries and territories and offers live traffic updates in 171 countries.
The app has also been a target for disinformation, and Google said it took down some three million fake business profiles entered by users in 2018 alone.
6/7
All new ‘updates’ tab
A new “updates” tab in the app will spotlight “must-see” spots getting attention, and let users chat with businesses to get answers to questions.
And, the once solid-red “pin” pointing out map locations is now made up of the four colors used in other Google logos.
A playful “party-themed car icon” will temporarily replace the blue dot that users now see when they are navigating.
7/7
Sundar Pichai’s thoughts
Google chief Sundar Pichai shared thoughts that included a mapped list of his favorite burrito spots around the world.
“Finding
the best burrito might sound trivial in the context of all the amazing
things Google Maps can do – from helping to shave hours off a commute
over the course of the year to providing SOS alerts during emergencies,”
Pichai said. “But, for someone who finds as much joy in a good burrito
as I do, it can be a magical moment.”
Pichai also revealed that
Maps is working on providing people with “Plus Code” addresses based on
latitude and longitude coordinates if they lack street addresses.
“One
of the next frontiers for Maps will be to help the billions of people
who live without a physical address get a digital one,” Pichai said.
“With a digital address, more people will be able to access things like
banking and emergency services, receive personal mail and deliveries,
and help people find and patronize their businesses.”
About Author
