If you’re going on a long road trip this summer, you already know how important Google Maps is. Of course, it’s not just about getting you there. Maps is a must-have app on your phone for avoiding speed traps and traffic backups, as well as sharing your location with friends. Google today announced a couple of long-awaited Maps on Android enhancements that should make your summer vacation even better.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting on the road only to discover that your route includes tolls. Knowing how much cash you’ll need to get to your destination can be extremely useful, whether you’re trying to make sure you have enough coins or making sure your car is equipped with electronic toll systems.
Google Maps: Traffic Signals – Depiction in real life
Beginning this month, Google Maps will display estimated toll prices along your route, based on data directly from the agency in charge of local road fees. To get the most bang for your buck on your drive, consider factors such as the time of day and the payment method. As usual, Google offers ways to avoid tolls by changing your route options, but for those who don’t mind paying a little more to get somewhere faster, you’ll be able to see your total cost before you get on the road. To begin with, this tool will be available to mobile users in the United States, Indonesia, India, and Japan, with more regions to follow.
While navigating, Google Maps is also adding extra information to its maps, bringing them up to speed with the competition. The main inclusions here are traffic lights and stop signs, which Apple added to its Maps app in iOS 13. It’s a simple feature, but it’s fantastic that Google has finally adopted it. In some cities, specific road information such as widths, shapes, medians, and islands will be added, as well as building outlines and areas of interest.
While we’re on the subject of iOS, Apple users will benefit from some enhancements this summer. New pinned trip widgets, direct Apple Watch navigation, and Siri shortcut support for improved voice control all help Google Maps catch up to Apple’s native app. Overall, it’s a substantial, long-overdue update that couldn’t have arrived at a better time.