Google Maps v9. 19 is in the process of being pushed out to the Google Play Store, so it should be appearing on an Android phone near you some time over the coming weeks.
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The app will also calculate an up-to-date ETA, estimated time of arrival, for your destination too.
There are two ways to access the new feature. But thanks to the latest update to Maps on Android, I don’t have to.
Google has recently started pushing an update for their latest version of the Maps app for Android, and a new Driving Mode among other things is one new feature to look out for if this is an app you use on a regular basis, especially if using it in the vehicle and behind the wheel is a time when you use it the most. While this sounds similar to Commute or HERE’s Drive Now, influx of such deep data about users makes Driving Mode a bit more powerful, and accurate. The application takes into account your habits and search history to try to determine where you’re heading off and offer you relevant info.
The US technology firm has also included a new settings screen to let you toggle which data streams Google can trawl to work out your travel preferences, destination and more. “With a simple shortcut on your homescreen-you’ll head straight into the new driving mode so you’re sure to get where you’re going on the quickest route possible without entering a destination”.
This is interesting. Google is reportedly working on a feature that will allow its Maps product to figure out where you’re going without you having to input a destination first. At one point in history, there was an on-screen toggle for muting turn-by-turn voice guidance, but one update moved it inside of the overflow menu where it was a little less obvious and required an extra tap to use.
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The Google Maps interface has also received minor tweaks with the Manage location settings option been switched for Timeline settings. This is done by combing through your location history and web searches.
