Google Maps: A new time-saving feature is finally here

Glanceable Directions are finally hitting Google Maps a year after the Menlo Park-based tech giant announced the feature. The feature will roll out to users on all iOS and Android devices.

Google's commitment to upgrading Maps is welcomed as Glanceable Directions is yet another new feature the company has introduced in the past couple of months.

What are 'Glanceable Directions'?

Announced in February 2023, Glanceable Directions displays real-time ETA and turn-by-turn directions on the lock screen, eliminating the need to unlock the phone constantly. This feature allows users to track their journey directly from the lock screen and automatically updates the route if the user deviates from the planned path, whether walking, driving, or biking.

This new feature is designed to provide more convenient and safer navigation, reducing the need to interact with the phone while on the move. Despite its announcement, the feature was not visible in the Maps settings until January 2024.

You can see in this tweet what the feature looks like in action. The option is switched off by default, but can be toggled on within the app's settings.

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Recently, Google has been leaning into adding AI to enhance its navigation experience. Earlier this month, Google introduced a generative AI feature to Maps that helps users discover things to do in their area.

Back in February 2023, Immersive View was introduced, creating 3D, AI-powered cities to explore within the app.