Google Maps is making it easier to avoid annoying traffic jams.
In the previous iOS version of the Google Maps, you could see color-coded routes identifying congested areas and icons marking accidents, traffic, road closures and construction zones. You were also flagged when there was a faster route available and given details of how much faster or slower each route is.
An update released Wednesday takes traffic alerts to the next level. Now the app will speak alerts about congestion and incidents on your route, and it will summarize traffic conditions before you even start driving. You can see how much of a delay the individual congested areas are, which are marked in red on the route. Previously, you could only see the red route and no details regarding delay time. (The Android version already has these features).
In October, Google Maps updated the Android version so users could search nearby locations while in driving navigation. It's unknown when that feature will come to iOS.