Future updates to Google Maps promise several useful new features for drivers, including the cost of tolls, stop signs and traffic lights , among other improvements.
Since the app already offers practically all the basic options, such as finding nearby gas stations with Google Maps, the so-called “co-pilot functions” are now expanded, which help us reach our destination faster, safer and cheaper.
First of all, the driving map gains new details , some really important on the road: we will see stop signs and traffic lights , in certain cities medians, roundabouts and the exact profile of the roads will be shown.
Also, the buildings, monuments and other places of interest appear in more detail , at least the profile will be shown on the map, instead of a simple city block.
The updated maps reach Android and iOS mobile apps, as well as Android Auto and CarPlay in-car platforms. Google has only confirmed that they will arrive in some countries in the coming weeks, without specifying dates or which countries they will be.
On the other hand, the tolls will show the prices , so that it is easier to decide if we prefer to go through a paid road or a free one.
Let us remember that Google Maps is going to recommend the most ecological route instead of the fastest throughout 2022, considering the total gasoline consumption. Knowing the toll prices can help us decide if we prefer to arrive earlier by motorway, or take a little longer by road.
Unfortunately, toll prices will arrive first in the United States, India, Japan and Indonesia, with no date set for the rest of the world.
In addition, Google Maps will improve on iOS on several fronts, including the ability to use it on the Apple Watch without having to have it linked to the iPhone . A shortcut will be included that will guide us directly home, saving us from using Maps on the mobile.
Widgets in iOS have been renewed , it is now possible to show fixed routes, route information, and the search engine now takes up less space.
It will also be possible for Siri to direct us using Google Maps , and the platform integrates with the iOS Spotlight search engine and the Shortcuts app to create automations.
In general, they are quite important improvements in Google Maps , which benefit drivers and iOS users, that is, a very important percentage of the total. Unfortunately, they will be arriving little by little in each country, for the moment without confirmed dates.
