Search results for: “Google Maps”

Huawei To Introduce Its Own Mapping System To Compete With Google Maps

With the advent of newer technology, lives have become easier. For example, unlike in the past where you had to ask for directions or use an unyieldingly large map, online mapping services have existed to make lives easier. Currently, Google dominates such a service with its extremely popular Google Maps. Many companies have tried to obtain a footing in the market like Apple and Blackberry, the latter miserably failing in this regard. According to a new report, Huawei is now also seeking to develop its own mapping service which will compete with Google Maps.

Who Is It For?

A fresh report originating from Huawei’s home country, China, has stated that the tech giant is seeking to challenge Google. However, the company is developing a mapping service which differs from its competitors. Unlike Google Maps, it is reportedly being made for developers which implies that it may be used by navigation or taxi-hailing services. It would also allow third-party developers to create utilize this service without creating their own.

Google Maps

Map Kit

A top executive at Huawei has revealed Map Kit as the name of the upcoming service. It will offer developers a street-level navigation system that they can use in their respective apps. Map Kit will also convey real-time traffic conditions and other related data. It could also imply an AR walking navigational system which is used by Google. Furthermore, the Map Kit will be connected to local mapping services and will have to rely on telecom base stations that offer positioning data via satellites.

Google Maps AR Navigational Feature

Will It Succeed?

The report also states that Huawei is partnering up with Booking Holdings. Notably, Booking is currently reliant on Google Maps. Hence Map Kit might just be a customer and not actually a data provider. Huawei will have to invest heavily to compete in the mapping service market which has been notoriously difficult to crack. As mentioned earlier, Google is the only company to see success in the business while even Apple is lagging behind the search giant. Nokia too had tried and failed with its Here Maps as did Blackberry in the past.

iOS 13 Maps

Also Read: YouTube Original Series Will Be Free To Watch From 24th September

Why Is Huawei Making Map Kit?

Huawei’s new mapping service is probably in response to the trade ban imposed on it by the US Government. The trade ban it had received has since been temporarily revoked but its implications still stand evident. US and western-based companies can cut ties from the company at any given moment. Thus, the move arrives with a more self-sufficient motive rather than just a revenue-generating one.

August 17, 2019
Google Maps Will Now Provide Info on Trains and Buses In India

In a modern day world where time is money, information regarding an individual’s commute is extremely important. In Indian states like Mumbai where trains are the most common form of transportation for the masses, details regarding the status of various trains is quite crucial. In a new announcement, Google has unveiled its plans for adding practical (and much needed) features to Google Maps for its Indian user base.

With the new update, Google Maps can provide the user with real-time information on bus travel times derived from live traffic conditions. Furthermore, users will now also be able to track live statuses of Indian Railway trains. The update is set to be introduced to ten major cities in the country. A mixed-mode commute feature will also be introduced. This feature combines auto-rickshaws with public transport for a more detailed route to the user’s destination.

Bus & Public Transport

The aforementioned feature will work hand-in-hand with Google Maps pre-existing live traffic data and public bus schedules. This will provide accurate travel times regarding buses in real-time. Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Chennai, Mysore, Coimbatore, and Surat will be the first cities to receive this feature. The new update will be tested out for the first time in the real world and will help in relaying more detailed information regarding buses to the users.

Indian Railways

Trains will also receive a similar set of updates. Information regarding delays and travel times will now be available on Google Maps. Upon searching for the user’s current location and destination, the app will provide inter-state data regarding train routes. This feature was developed with the help of ‘Where is my train’ app, that was acquired by Google in the year 2018.

Mixed-Mode Commute

Also Read: How ARKit 3, RealityKit And HomeKit Will Help Developers In Creating Apps

With the inclusion of the new mixed-mode feature, route results now also highlight auto-rickshaws. This form of travel is popular in India for quick and short duration rides. Google Maps will suggest rickshaws during trips in public transport only if it is a viable alternative. This particular feature, however, will be only available in Delhi and Bangalore and will eventually spread to other cities as well.

June 5, 2019
Google Maps Will Support Augmented Reality Navigation Soon

Google has already given us a view into the future, where augmented reality can be integrated into phone cameras. This happened at the Google I/O 2018, where Google showed off a demo with an advanced navigation system. The new nav system could guide users by showing pop-ups regarding nearby shops and businesses.

Google Maps: The AR Version

As per reports, the AR version of the Maps is still in the making. Google previously previewed another version for developers in May 2018. The interesting part of that was that Google showed maps on the lower part of the screen. The rest of the screen helped the user navigate the real-world surroundings. Google also used a blinking arrow system, which was almost alike to the arrow in Google’s previous presentation.

Map Warnings & Online Guides

Wall Street Journal’s David Pierce noticed some more intriguing details about this demo feature. After orienting itself to the surroundings, the Google AR version of Maps kept prompting David to put his phone down, so that he doesn’t hit an obstruction. Similarly, WSJ said that the app should be used by more users to test out its features. But the guide for the same wasn’t available anywhere on the app.

As far as digital guides go, Google also showed off an idea of a digital guide on the AR Maps app. One version of the app included an “animated guide”, which was called “Pizza Man”. Similarly, it can be possible that Google might have more characters/animals as app guides in the upcoming future.

Expectations For The Release

Also Read: Google Glass 2 Enterprise Edition Leaked, May Launch Soon

One thing is for sure. The AR feature for Google Maps may take quite some time to release, depending on the number of integrations involved. Hopefully, it will available for testing by users sooner.

February 11, 2019
Google Maps To Display Speed Limits

Google Maps has been constantly evolving and growing the features that it has. Very recently, they added support for Autorickshaws in India. Now, news suggests that they will add speed limits in their iOS and Android Apps.

The new feature adds a badge at the bottom left of the screen while the map is open and shows the speed limit of that particular road. It also displays speed traps. Speed traps are cameras installed in various roads to catch over-speeding drivers. These traps are shows with a small camera icon at the various locations the traps are based out of.

via-Android Police

Drivers will also reportedly get an audio notification when they’re approaching a speed trap. The speed limit update is supposedly rolling out in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States. However the speed camera icons are rolling out to Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, UK and US users. According to a report, the speed limit feature was available in San Francisco Bay Area and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for almost a year now. Since last year, in many areas, users can report a speed trap whenever they face or spot one. This is a welcome feature for people who have cars without smart displays. Those relying on their phones for navigation can use this feature to not over- speed in low speed zones.

Also Read: Google Maps Auto Rickshaw Will Calculate Time And Price Of The Ride

A crowdsourced application called Waze had similar features which was extremely detailed. Google bought Waze in 2013 for nearly US$ 1 Billion. It seems like Google has kept it’s eye on the Maps market for a long time and is doing what the market demands. These new features will not only make the roads much safer to drive in, but also save drivers a lot of money in terms of fine for over- speeding through camera traps.

January 22, 2019
Google Maps Auto Rickshaw Will Calculate Time And Price Of The Ride

Google has been rolling out country specific features for a long time and it’s Maps feature is one of the best navigation tools in the world. While there are many India-specific features already available, a new feature that has been recently introduced can be extremely helpful for a lot of residents as well as travellers. The new feature allows you to see how long it will take to reach your destination in an auto rickshaw. It also shows the estimated cost for the travel. Indian auto rickshaws are infamous for not using their fare meter and overcharging. Many rickshaws use the fare meter and take tourists around a longer route to get an inflated fare. So we checked out the new feature on Google Maps and it is pretty cool! See how it works:

First thing is to check if the Maps app is up-to-date or not. Then open the app and select the location you wish to visit.

Second step is to select the mode of transport. Since the default is always a car or four wheeler, select the ‘Public transport’ section. This looks like a Train symbol which is on the right of the ‘Bike’.

Scroll to the bottom half of the screen on Google Maps and you will see an ‘Auto’ option in the ‘Other Options’ section. It shows the approximate cost and time taken for the journey.

You can also find different options for Taxi aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Meru cabs which show the estimated cost and allow you to directly jump to the respective apps for booking.

While the Auto feature in Google Maps is currently available in Delhi, the country’s capital, we hope Google rolls the feature out to other cities soon.

December 17, 2018
Google Maps To Work On Apple CarPlay With iOS 12

Apple announced iOS 12 at its recent launch event held on 12th September. The update will be rolled out on Monday, September 17th and will be available to many. An exciting feature that iOS 12 will bring is the addition of Google Maps and Waze to CarPlay.

Screenshots which show Google Maps integrated with Apple CarPlay have emerged and they have got everyone excited. As seen in the pictures, the Google Maps icon takes the navigation slot in the sidebar, which was earlier only occupied by Apple Maps. More images show the familiar arrowhead and map tiles, which are rendered by Google. The map is also available in both cartography and satellite modes. A microphone icon present on the screen also points out that voice search will be available.

CarPlay was announced in 2014 and works as an alternative to poor navigation software generally available in cars. By connecting your iPhone to your car, CarPlay will mimic its interface on to your dashboard. This is a much safer alternative to looking at your phone while driving or using a car mount.

However, the biggest complaint that CarPlay users had is the fact that they could not use Google Maps and were stuck with Apple Maps when it came to navigation. This is no longer an issue as with the new iOS update, users will be able to access not only Google Maps, but many other apps as well.

The access to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay is relatively restricted. It will only be available to iOS Beta Testers. For now, users will have to upgrade to iOS 12 when it rolls out on Monday and wait. Once Google Maps and other compatible apps are updated to be integrated with Apple CarPlay, users can utilise the full experience.

September 15, 2018
New Google Maps Feature Lets Users Publicly List Locations
Google Maps recently announced a bunch of new features for India. These new features ease the process of searching or sharing an address. The company has combined area code with the local code to generate a unique “Plus” code for every geographical area. The Google Maps Plus code can be broadcasted across social media platforms for sharing.

Google Maps Plus Code

The Google Plus code is a combination of GPS location details and the local area pin code. Up until now, Google Maps let the users share direct GPS locations. However, with the Google Maps Plus Code, the sharing of location is a lot easier. This feature is available for both Android and iOS operating systems.

How to add missing Address
- Open Maps
- Touch and hold the place to select the marker
- Click on the description of the place
- Click on “Add a missing place” option
- Enter the details such as name, website etc and press the arrow mark on the top right corner
How to generate Plus Code
- Open Maps on your iOS or Android device
- Touch and hold the place to select the marker
- Click on the description of the place
- Scroll down to the bottom to find the Plus code
- Copy the code by pressing on it
How to search an address using Plus Code
- Copy and paste the code into Google Maps search bar and hit enter to find the navigation for the address
- Or simply, copy paste the code into Google search, and the address will be shown in the search results
March 14, 2018
Is Apple Maps a Better Choice Than Google Maps?

The company introduced Apple Maps in 2012 and ushered in a series of glitches which involved the Madison Square Garden, New York being labelled as a ‘park space’ because of the word ‘garden’ in its name. However Apple acted promptly, fixed these goof-ups and now three years later Apple Maps has overtaken Google Maps as the most used navigation app on iPhones.

Even though Apple Maps lacks many features which Google Maps provides, users end up using the former more because it is already installed on their devices. Even if the phone has third party apps, Siri and Mail automatically take the user to Apple Maps. This, along with Apple’s efforts to improve the over-all experience of the app, has helped them get more users to choose Apple Maps over other options.

Google Maps, on the other hand, has not lagged behind either in improving itself. Starting last month, it now allows users to store maps and data on their phones to refer to it even without internet access. It also includes search tools for landmarks and business listings, transit maps that cover more region than Apple and options to exclude highways and toll roads.

As more and more iPhone users switch to Apple Maps, do you think Google Maps could be a better choice?

December 8, 2015
Google Maps Now Helps You Retrace Your Every Step

One of the features of the modern day lifestyle is the GPS tracking devices on our Android or iOS phones and laptops, with the most famous tracking app being, Google Maps. We all know how this works regardless of whether we own a smartphone or not. Google Maps already knows your location so you just have to add your destination address and voila, it shows you the way.

Image Source: Mashable

This app is usually helpful, but there are times when Google Maps either takes you to some remote location or you forget which road to take etc. Although, Google Maps previously did have a location history setting, now, it has come out with a new feature called Your Timeline.

The new Timeline is curated in a more efficient way than the location history and allows you to rename a location or remove a location and allows you to check where you were at any given time.The location history of the Timeline is private and can be deleted by the user from the settings menu. The new feature also allows you to control your account settings if you don’t want Google to track your location history.

The new Your Timeline feature is soon to be out for desktop users too.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://mashable.com/2015/07/22/google-maps-your-timeline/”]Mashable[/tw-button]

July 23, 2015
Apple’s Latest Acquisition May Finally Help it Compete Against Google Maps

Apple has been facing stiff competition on its Maps services from Google Maps. But, according to MacRumors, one company has been added to Apple’s roster to help it improve its Mapping service exponentially. The Silicon Valley technology company has confirmed the purchase of Coherent Navigation, a Bay Area global positioning company that will help Apple to further boost its location technology and services.

Google maps has always been ahead of the game

Coherent Navigation was formed back in 2008 and focused on creating commercial navigation services that were based on partnerships with companies like Boeing and Iridium, a satellite network operator. This company has worked on highly precise navigation technologies, which are accurate to up to 3-5 metres. Coherent Navigation had also worked on autonomous navigation and robotics previously. The company is known for its High Integrity GPS system, which combined signals from mid-earth orbit GPS satellites with low-earth satellites to offer improved precision and accuracy.

According to MacRumors, some key employees have started working for Apple, including CEO Paul Lego in January and co-founders William Bencze and Brett Ledvina in April. Their Linkedin profile also confirmed that they are working at Apple. The company’s website is currently offline but was updated to Apple servers on 30^th April.

For now, neither Apple nor Coherent Navigation has provided any information about how this partnership will be moved forward or what technology would be used. It is likely that Apple may show off the new navigation system at the WWDC next month. Watch out, Google Maps!

May 18, 2015
Google Maps Hides An Image Of An Android Robot Urinating On The Apple Logo

In a bizarre yet funny incident a Google map render image contains a cartoon of an Android robot taking a piss on the Apple logo. The image is in a small patch just south of the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, which was possibly put by an End- user.

Someone at Google definitely is getting the boot as the image, which apparently was by an end-user helpfully “suggesting” an edit, has now been removed, Google says. “We’ve terminated the Android figure involved in this incident, and he’ll be disappearing from Google Maps shortly.”

Another picture accompanies the Urinating Android Figurine, a few miles to the east, reads : “Google review policy is crap.”

The Google Map Maker allows for users to suggest changes on the Google Maps, which are then duly moderated. These two however were not identified and managed to get on the public domain. This is not the fist incident of lack of moderation on Google Maps, and considering the massive scale of the project it may not be the last.

However people always tend to leave stuff for a few chuckles here and there.

April 28, 2015
Google to Shut Down the Google Maps Engine

Google Maps Engine is a tool that lets developers create their own maps on top of Google provided maps. The service now faces a shutdown as the engine is supposedly slowing down. Google Maps will remain functional, but the service to create customized maps will be pulled off.

ZDNet reports that the search giant will end the service in the coming year after which users won’t be able to sign into the service. A rival map maker CartoDB is said to be replacing the service.

Google has confirmed the shutdown and said that they will support the clients who use the Maps for Work product by Google through their contract period. Maps for Work gave enterprises and businesses the power to visualize their business on the map and attract more customers using the various features. There aren’t any reasons cited for the shutdown.

CartoDB hopes to be the replacement of this Google Maps engine and is expected to run on the Google Cloud Platform. It can also be engaged with Google sign-in accounts.

These are some of the moments when big corporations have to do the unfavorable thing. The company had given immense tools in the hands of the people in the form of the Maps Engine. The sting of shutdown will be felt by businesses as well as by Google.

January 21, 2015
Google Maps Lane Guidance Feature Makes For a Handy Travel Companion

Indian roads always remain packed with vehicles. These busy roads notice honking and screaming on working days as well as on weekends. People have to leave home half an hour or an hour in advance to counter traffic. Not any more! Now Indians don’t have to freak out in the traffic jam as Google Maps has launched a lane advisory system in India.

With this new feature, Google Maps gives voice guidance to the users, enabling them to see and hear voice-guided instructions about the alternate lane they should take to avoid traffic. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS and gives lane guidance in around 20 major cities. Google aims to make the app handy and more useful for regular travellers. Director, Producer and Program Management of Google Suren Ruhela clarified the main motive behind updating the app saying –

With the Google Maps app for iPhone/iPad and Android, users will now be able to see and hear voice-guided instructions, signalling which lane they should stay in or move to while in navigation mode.

She further said that the company will continue to upgrade Google Maps for mobile to make it a handy travel companion.

The 20 cities included in the lane guidance feature are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Mysore, Nagpur, Pune, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara and Visakhapatnam. Drivers in this cities will be able to choose on lane option for easy commute in their mother tongue. The app added Hindi as a default accent last year in July.

The app added a couple of other features as well like turn-by-turn voice guidance, which user’s can get in preferred language. Drivers can change the language from the ‘Language and input’ option. The added feature is a really supportive addition to improving search experience for Indian users.

With traffic the way it is, even in the smallest towns in India, this is quite an initiative by Google Maps to help the hapless stuck in everyday traffic!

January 16, 2015
Google Maps 9.1 Update Adds Destination Info, Alternate Routes and More

A month ago, Google Map received the Material Design makeover and revamped the in-app restaurant reservations for good measure (only in the US). Now, a new version is rolling out with much-needed new navigation tools.

Earlier, the update to Google Play services was rolled out by the company. This update brought Play services to version 6.5 and added improvements to Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Drive and Google Fit. The majority of the update was aimed at Maps, bringing additional features which allowed third-party apps to take advantage of a more seamless integration with Maps.

Google maps has always been ahead of the game.

Now, in addition to letting you know exactly how much time that alternate route will save, the app will display estimated time, weather and a smattering of facts about your destination. Google has also added the ability to show and hide traffic with a simple voice command. Of course, there are also some features hiding under the surface and to know that, you have to juggle with the app yourself.

Google Maps 9.1 will also offer improved rerouting options, telling users how much time can be saved by rerouting, and offering ‘route-around’ alerts for closed roads. The application will also offer transit schedule changes for early or late arrivals.

If Google Maps is your go-to app for checking out hotels, restaurants, or scanning other cool stuff, then these new features could save a couple of steps by putting them all in one app. Google is working to make Maps the all-in-one travel and destination tool so that you don’t have to check out competitors like Yelp for information.

The 9.1 version will be rolling out soon to your device, however, the apk for the new version is available here.

November 22, 2014
Get Exploring with the New Google Maps Feature

Remember the time when there was a profession dedicated to guides? oh yes they still exist and Google has plans to make that job obsolete. With the new ‘Explore’ feature, exploring new places will get a lot easier. The feature will be available on Google Maps app on both Android and iOS platform.

The Explore feature will be available on Android as well as iOS

All the user needs to do with this update is to tap the new Explore button at the bottom right corner of the map to get a quick look at what’s nearby (where available). The feature will provide you information on different places and activities that adapt to each area and moment throughout the day. This also allows you to browse other neighborhoods and cities on the map so you can plan your day’s outing or daydream about your next vacation.

The feature also gives you an option of finding what is nearby the place where you’ll be in the next five minute walk or a 20 minute drive. The convenience of finding a spot that suits your taste has never been this easy. As the results change according to the time of the day and weather, you can be assured that you will find exactly what you are looking for. The feature performs optimally when the location reporting and web history have been turned on.

The Awesome functionality of this app will make it stand out.

The feature also lets you assess the reviews and relevant information about the spot you have chosen to hang at. This can be done by tapping on the ‘My location’ on an Android devices. You can also save these places for future references. Like other data analysis based system, the app will personalize itself with regular use.

On the look from, the upgrade features Google’s latest material design. The interface is simple, clean and easy to understand.

So if you have an itch to always be outdoor and exploring, Google Maps and the Explore feature was what the doctor would prescribe for you. So go ahead, get Exploring !

July 24, 2014

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