Google Maps has long been the map app of choice. Remember the furor that arose when Apple dropped Google maps? Well, Google has just been making the app better and better. The latest update might not rival some of the bigger overhauls of the past, but the new features it added are really useful and add a bit of fun to the app.
Android users can download the Android Application Package (APK) to get the updated Google Maps on their phones and tablets. Google Maps 9.1 adds more details about searched locations. A pin will appear on the location and when tapped, offers some contextual information about that location. Information provided includes fun facts about the location (provided they are available- one won’t find fun facts about a private residence), weather forecasts and local time. While these might not be very useful for users simply getting directions to a local place, for those planning long road trips, these add ons can be very useful.
What may be useful for local travelers is the updated rerouting options, that give users an estimate on how much time they can save by choosing a different route. The update also includes alerts for travelers to route around closed roads on their chosen path. For those who commute a considerable distance, small updates like this can be worth their weight in gold by saving them precious time.
Arguably one of the best features added on in this new update is the ability to use voice commands to show or hide traffic data. Considering that one in four car accidents are caused by drivers distracted by their phones, the ability to check pertinent traffic information without having to take eyes off the road and hands off of the wheel is a definite perk.
As recently reported by the Inquisitr , additions of third party services that allow users to make some relevant requests right from Google Maps make this a must-have app for the adventurous and the practical alike. In locations where Uber is legal, users can tap on the option and get an estimated wait time and cost, and the app will autofill in their location from Google Maps. Restaurants that use Open Table to allow for online reservations are now connected to Google Maps to, allowing users to reserve a table while on the go.
It might take a while for Android to push the updates out to devices. Users can bypass this wait by downloading and installing the APK.
[Images courtesy of Google]