World’s most popular maps app is changing everything
Google has announced sweeping changes to Google Maps, which is recognised as the most popular maps and navigation app in the world, with a claimed over 2 billion active users.
“Google Maps is fundamentally changing what a map can do,” says the app’s VP and GM, Miriam Daniel.
“By bringing together the world’s freshest map with our most capable Gemini models, we’re transforming exploration into a simple conversation and making driving more intuitive than ever.”
As of today, Google Maps will support chatbot-like prompts directly in the app, with Google giving an example of a pedestrian asking for the closest place to charge their phone for free.
Or a driver asking Google Maps ahead of time if there is a tennis court nearby that will have lights switched on in the evening.
Daniel explains that before the new update, answers to these kinds of queries would only be found after sifting through reviews.
“But now, you can just tap the ‘Ask Maps’ button and get your questions answered conversationally, with a customised map to help you visualise your options,” she explains.
Gemini will provide clear directions to locations, ETAs, and insider tips on areas, all directly from scores of user reviews.
Maps will analyse existing Google information about more than 300 million places and reviews from Google’s extended community of contributors numbering more than 500 million.
Gemini’s memory features will also ensure that results are personalised to your tastes. Asking for nearby restaurants will take into account that you have dietary restrictions, for example.
A newly introduced feature called Immersive Navigation provides redesigned visuals and better guidance.
Maps will also let you book reservations at supported restaurants, save locations, or share already-booked plans with friends.
The improved map now provides a bigger view of your taken route, and Google has introduced changes to make it easier for drivers to navigate at a glance.
Smart zooms and transparent buildings
“Smart zooms and transparent buildings help you look ahead to prepare you for tricky turns, and lane changes well in advance,” said Daniel.
A more natural-sounding voice assistant is also being phased in, along with new options to preview your trip and destination.
“As you approach, Maps will highlight the building’s entrance, nearby parking, and which side of the street to be on — so you can go from the last turn to the front door with confidence.”
The newest version of Google Maps had already started rolling out in the US, and availability will expand in the “coming months.”
We have reached out to Google representatives in South Africa about the timing of the local launch of the new update, but they had not responded by the time of publication.
Users of Google Maps will begin seeing the updated features on eligible iOS and Android devices, as well as CarPlay, Android Auto, and vehicles with Google pre-installed.
“Google Maps” for South African townships
Many townships and rural areas in South Africa lack formal street names or structured numbering systems, making it difficult for people to find exact locations and for emergency services to respond effectively.
A recently developed app called Zula from South African entrepreneur Sivuyile Ngcanga has tackled this issue.
The app allows emergency services, police, couriers and postal workers to locate addresses in areas that may lack formal identification.
Before founding the company that developed the app, Ngcanga worked as a mechatronics technician at Mercedes-Benz.
He later became a technical artisan after completing his level three training with the automaker in Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
In 2015, Ngcanga left Mercedes-Benz South Africa to establish his own company, the Sheer Versatility Group.
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