Google has announced several improvements that are being implemented to its geolocation app, Google Maps. App users will soon have access to map overlays with Coronavirus data, delivery function and real-time agglomeration information for public transport. In addition to these features, the developers said that Google Assistant's driving mode will allow access via voice command to play music while the user is driving.
New Google Assistant driving mode
The new Google Assistant driving mode was originally announced during the Google I/O 2019 event and in October some users were reported to be getting access to the new functionality. The new tool allows the user to control, through his voice, functions such as phone calls and media playback within the Google Maps navigation screen. In this way, the driver will be able to pay attention to the road while driving, without diverting attention.
It will now be possible to read new messages, answer calls and play media from apps like Spotify, YouTube Music and Google Podcasts. According to Google, users will be able to choose to activate the new mode through a pop-up on Google Maps or in the Google Assistant settings.
Google Maps assisting users with information related to COVID-19
In the coming weeks, according to Google, more information about COVID-19 will be added to Google Maps, showing, for example, the number of cases detected in total in an area, as well as links to official information from local authorities. In addition, Google's map platform will help the user to find information about the rules and regulations of each location when the user is traveling to another location.
Information about the capacity of public transport will also be available on Google Maps. Now the user will be able to check in real time if a bus is full or not and thus avoid a certain route. To make this possible, Google's platform uses feedback from users of the app on both Android and iOS globally, in addition to predictive information about agglomerations, a feature that began to be offered last year.
Delivery forecast or time when the dish will be ready for pick-up
Now Google Maps will allow the user not only to order food through the app, but also to be able to see the delivery forecast or when the dish will be available for pick up at the restaurant. According to the company, this functionality is being implemented in the US< Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain and India.
About 250 new features were added to Google Maps in 2020
According to Google, since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, nearly 250 new features have been added to Google Maps. Many features were created to help people during quarantine, to safely travel to basic places to spend their daily lives at home.
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