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Google Maps' new commute tab plans every leg of your journey
When it's not debunking flat-earthers, Google Maps is busy pushing out updates. In the past few months alone, we've seen new groups, discovery and Yelp-style recommendation features (along with its arrival on Apple CarPlay thanks to iOS 12). Now, it's ready to give you even more granular data about your daily commute, all within a new tab. The new additions will allow for one-tap access to live traffic and transit information, plus Android notifications about delays and disruptions.
Google Maps now helps you plan group events
If you've ever tried to settle on a place to eat, you know how time-consuming it can be. If you're not trying to describe each and every restaurant, you're sending a flood of links. Google is making that simpler from now on. As promised back in May, it's rolling out a Group Planning feature on Google Maps for Android and iOS that helps you coordinate events with friends. When you've found places to go, you only have to press and hold to add it to a shortlist that stays on-screen as you find places. Once you're satisfied, you can both share the entire list on messaging services and vote on the choices from Maps itself.
Google Maps works with Apple CarPlay following iOS 12 update
We've known since WWDC in June that iOS 12 would herald the arrival of Google Maps on CarPlay. Apple released the latest version of the iPhone and iPad software Monday, and after Google updated its app to support CarPlay, you can now use that navigation option on your car's infotainment system.
Recommended Reading: Plz vote 4 me
Campaigns enter texting era with a plea: Will u vote 4 me? Kevin Roose, The New York Times Political candidates have a number of tools at their disposal to try and win your vote. Slick branding, TV commercials and social media ads are just the beginning. The New York Times dives into how campaigns in 2018 are hitting us up via the good ol' text message and the questions that arise from that method of outreach.
Google Maps now zooms out to a globe instead of a flat Earth
Google is finished thinking two-dimensionally with Maps and now shows the Earth as a globe rather than a flat "Mercator" projection as before. You won't notice the change when you first open the app, but if you zoom out far enough, you'll eventually get a moon's-eye view of our world. That means you'll see the world in a more realistic way: "With 3D Globe Mode on Google Maps desktop, Greenland's projection is no longer the size of Africa," Google Maps said on Twitter.
Google Maps can predict how much you'll like a restaurant
Next time you use Google Maps on an iPhone or an iPad to look up restaurants in your area, try tapping their names. Google has rolled out Maps' "match" feature to the platform, which can predict how much you'd like a particular establishment. It's one of the Yelp-like features the big G announced for the app during its annual I/O developer conference in May, all designed to make discovering new places to visit much easier without having to access another service. Maps will use the data it has on you, including establishments you've visited in the past and your dining preferences, to display a match rate. If you like pizza, for instance, pizzerias in the area you're looking at will show a high match percentage.
Google video teases all-white look for Gmail and other apps
Google has been revamping its Material Design guidelines for internal and third-party products. We've already seen previews of how the look of Google's own products will change, from Android to Gmail to Chrome. A video just surfaced showing a glimpse of what those redesigns may end up looking like: Clean, all-white interfaces, according to Ars Technica.
Google Maps' new Yelp-like features are now live
At the I/O developer conference last month, Google announced a bunch of new features for Maps, and they're now making their way into the wild. Google is rolling out an update now, which includes a redesigned Explore tab with recommendations for restaurants, cafes and bars. Those include curated, trending lists of what's worth checking out.
Google Maps for Android no longer books Uber rides
Google added the ability to book Uber trips directly through Maps at the start of 2017, but it appears that this convenience was short-lived. The search firm has quietly pulled direct Uber booking from Google Maps for Android after yanking it from the iOS app last summer. It's not certain exactly when the feature vanished. However, Android Police noted that the feature was still present as recently as February.
Apple CarPlay will add Google Maps and Waze support with iOS 12
Other than a few small updates over the years, Apple's CarPlay infotainment system hasn't changed much. Fortunately, for fans of plugging their iPhone into their cars, CarPlay is getting the number one requested feature; the ability to use third-party navigation apps.
Google Maps can replace the dull arrow with 3D car icons
Google doesn't just want to reserve Maps navigation icons for special occasions. If you're using iOS, you can now replace Google Maps' drab blue arrow with a 3D car. You can even choose a vehicle that more closely reflects what you're driving, whether it's a sedan, truck or SUV. Is it silly and purely cosmetic? You bet -- but it adds a bit of character to an app that (let's be honest) often feels a bit soulless. Here's hoping the selection widens over time to keep commutes lively.
The new Google Maps is more than just a Yelp alternative
Google announced so much stuff at I/O 2018 that there was barely enough time to cover them all. In addition to new Android P features, a "Digital Wellbeing" initiative and all manner of AI and accessibility improvements, the company also unveiled a redesigned Maps app that might change the way we explore places. I checked out a demo of the new app with Maps product lead Sophia Lin, and frankly can't wait till the new features roll out this summer.
Google shows off its camera-enabled navigation system
Google knows the problems you have to deal with when navigating an unfamiliar locale, even if you do have your smartphone on you. That's why the company's Aparna Chennapragada is showing off an updated version of its VPS, or Visual Positioning System: A way for folks to avoid getting lost when out and about. Rather than craning over your phone and hoping you're walking in the same direction as the blue GPS dot, the camera can look at your surroundings and work it out for you.
Google wants Maps to be the only thing you need to plan a night
If you're looking to go somewhere, you probably start your search with Google Maps, before heading over to Yelp and Trip Advisor. Google's not happy with that state of affairs, and is determined to make sure that its mapping platform is where you start, and end, your plans for Friday night. The company has announced a whole slew of new features that'll gradually turn Maps into the only tool you'll need to plan a night out.
Volvo will embed Google Assistant and Maps into future cars
Volvo announced today that its next-generation Sensus infotainment system, which will run on Android, will have the Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store embedded within it. Adding Google Maps has some obvious benefits for drivers while the Google Assistant will give users voice control over in-car functions like air conditioning as well as music and messaging. "Bringing Google services into Volvo cars will accelerate innovation in connectivity and boost our development in applications and connected services," Henrik Green, Volvo senior VP of research and development, said in a statement. "Soon, Volvo drivers will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable."
Google uses its search skills to help fight opioid addiction
Google is using its influence as a search giant to fight opioid addiction in the US. The company has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration on a prescription drug take back tool that uses Google Maps helps you find return locations using Google Maps. You only have to fill in your address or ZIP code to get a slew of clearly identified recycling centers and similar drop facilities. It's meant or National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 28th, but Google is partnering with the DEA and state governments on integrating more permanent options into Maps.
Google Maps uses landmarks to provide natural-sounding directions
Most navigation apps give you instructions based on streets or distance. But that's not really how humans provide directions -- they'll usually point to landmarks that are much easier to spot than a tiny street sign. And Google, apparently, knows this. Users are reporting that Google Maps has started offering directions based on local landmarks. Instead of "turn right at Main Street," it'll tell you to "turn right after Burger King."
Google Maps finds routes in 39 more languages
Believe it or not, Google Maps has only supported a limited set of languages so far. A bit ironic for a service that helps you navigate the planet, don't you think? That might not be a problem for many people after today. Google has added support for 39 new languages, and there's a good chance there's one you might appreciate. In addition to the Armenian you see above, the expansion includes numerous eastern European, Scandianvian and former Soviet republic countries as well as Afrikaans, Hebrew, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, Vietnamese and Zulu.
Google Maps for iOS now shows restaurant waiting times
Last month Google Maps for iOS got an update that brought users real-time transit and driving information. Today, a further update brings the app to version 4.47 and in line with the Android version, with additional transit details and a helpful restaurants feature that shows the average waiting times of over a million sit-down eateries around the world.
Facebook search briefly suggested sexual content involving kids
Yesterday, Facebook users reported that the website's search function began suggesting autofills of their searches that included sexually explicit phrases. After typing "videos of," the predictive search feature suggested phrases like "videos of sexuals" and "videos of little girl giving oral." Facebook users posted screenshots of their searches on Twitter. According to the Guardian, users also reported other search suggestions that strayed from those typically offered by Facebook search like "zodwa wabantu videos and pics," which refers to a South African celebrity, and "cristiano ronaldo hala madrid king video call."
