Google Maps Launches New Features And Improvements To Welcome Eid Holidays

Google Maps can tell you which routes have toll roads or not. (photo: Google Maps doc)

JAKARTA - In the run-up to the Eid holidays, Google Maps is getting an update that will help to make vacation planning a little easier, thanks to enhanced details and new features.

Previously, although Google Maps could tell which routes had toll roads or not, users didn't get much more info than that.

But now, the update rolling out later this month will cover more than 2,000 roads across the United States (US), India, Japan and Indonesia, so users will be able to see toll price estimates sourced from local authorities, before they start navigating.

To calculate the estimated toll price of a trip, Google will look at things like the cost of using a toll card or other payment method, the history of the week's trips and how much the estimated toll will cost at any given time the user will traverse it.

Launching Engadget, Wednesday, April 6, this update is useful to make it easier for users to make a choice between taking the toll road or the regular road by looking at the price first.

Additionally, Google has also added new details to the app's navigation experience to reduce stress while driving on unfamiliar roads by adding traffic lights and stop signs.

Users will see enhanced details such as building outlines and areas of interest. In some cities, they will be treated to more details, such as the shape and width of the roads, including medians and islands.

The new navigation maps will start rolling out to select countries in the coming weeks for Android, iOS, Android Auto, and CarPlay users.

The tech giant from Mountain View, California, USA has also added an iOS update designed to make it easier to use Google Maps on the go, a travel widget that allows users to access trips embedded in the Go Tab directly from the iOS home screen.

That way, users can see arrival times, next departures for transit trips, and suggested routes if the user is driving. Google also made the existing Google Maps search widget smaller.

Then, for users looking to travel close by, Google added deeper support for Google Maps to the Apple Watch. This will allow users to search for destinations and even see directions on your wrist, all without having to pick up the phone.

Lastly, iOS Spotlight, Siri, and the Shortcuts app are also getting Google Maps integration in the coming months, so users can more easily find places using voice commands.