Google Maps Adds Various New Features To Accompany Our Holidays!

Google Maps provides a variety of new features to accompany the holidays. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA – Vacations can be a busy time that often requires a lot of planning to ensure everyone has the most enjoyable time possible. To that end, Google Maps is rolling out several new features for iOS and Android that promise users to make it even more useful during the holiday season.

While Google Maps is primarily a mapping service, Google has added many additional features over the years to the app. From nearby restaurant listings and city guides, to public transport information and the ability to track wildfires.

Google has also found many ways to extend the functionality of the app. Indeed, nowadays opening Google Maps to check the city's air quality or viewing local coffee shop menus makes as much sense as planning a trip or searching for a gas station.

With the Holidays just around the corner, Google has announced several new tools built to make things a little easier throughout the season. Area Busyness promises to show users when a neighborhood or regional area is particularly busy.

Google Area Busyness records can also be used to identify specific areas of interest, such as lively markets. This feature builds on previous functions that can help commuters understand how busy their bus or train journey is, as well as possible busy times for shops or restaurants.

Google Maps is rolling out the Directory feature for users around the world, promising to make navigating indoors a bit easier. The directory provides - where available - information for malls, airports, and other transit hubs.

Users can find details such as store categories, opening hours, comfortable lounges, vehicle rentals, and more. Note that, in some locations, users can also use Live View to find their way.

The company is also expanding the pickup feature for those who wish to purchase and collect items from a physical location. Google Maps introduced a curbside pick-up service earlier this year but is now adding additional functionality and more partners.

Customers can shop at more than 2.000 stores, and track the status of their orders via Google Maps. The app can also estimate a user's arrival time and allow them to share those details with the store.