Google Maps adds new shortcuts to anticipate your every need
It's now easier than ever to plan your next move with Google Maps.
A new update to Maps on Android aims to provide all the info you might need at a glance. It'll now provide real-time updates directly on the app's main screen, Google announced in a blog post on Monday.
The bottom bar of Google Maps now shows three tabs: Places, Driving and Transit. The Places tab will help you explore food and drink options near you. It includes curated lists like "cheap eats," "best dinners" and more. You can also search for amenities, like pharmacies and ATMs.
The Driving and Transit tabs include shortcuts to your home and work addresses, if you have them set up. Driving incorporates local traffic reports and a shortcut to "driving mode," if you don't need directions. Transit has also been enhanced to include bus and train stations nearby and give real-time schedule options.
While Google Maps is currently great at efficiently getting you to your destination, you may still need to use other apps like Yelp to help you decide where to go. But the company has been making a number of updates to better inform you of your options, including incorporating restaurant reviews and multiple transit schedule options.
More recently, Google added features to help you avoid crowds and find parking.
Tuesday's update is another step forward. By trying to guess what you might need and offer you answers before you ask questions, the new Maps experience is much slicker and faster than before.
The update is currently on Android and will be rolling out to users this week.
Freia Lobo wrote about Tech News for Mashable in NYC. You can follow her on twitter at @freialobo
