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Whether you’re celebrating old traditions or creating new ones this holiday season, the latest Google Maps updates are here to keep you safe during a global pandemic.
“This year, we’ve made it easy to find information to help you stay safe, up-to-date and connected,” wrote Dane Glasgow, vice president of product for Google Maps, in a blog post. The company has already introduced nearly 250 new features and enhancements in the last nine months and has no intention of slowing down.
Case in point: Google is rolling out two new enhancements to its COVID-19 layer, highlighting the seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 people. Update your Android or iOS app to find more information, including all-time detected cases in an area and quick links to health resources from local authorities.
“This is especially helpful if you are heading out of town and need to get up to speed on local guidelines, test sites and restrictions in another city,” Glasgow noted.
And, for those who prefer to avoid the holiday hordes and stick to social distancing guidelines, Google Maps now features live traffic jam information. Find out how crowded your bus, train or metro line is before it arrives, based on real-time feedback from global users.
Holidays are different for everyone. Some people get together with family and friends for a great meal and lots of gifts; others are comfortable with a Netflix marathon and Chinese takeout. As more people opt for the latter this year, Google added the option to see live status updates to go and deliver.
Place an order through Google Maps to know when to pick up your food or when it should arrive at your door; Users can also view expected wait times and delivery rates, reorder their favorite meals, and check the status of restaurant reservations in the near future. The feature is currently available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, and the US.
“Even without a global pandemic, the holidays are busy and you may need to spend more time on the road,” according to Glasgow, who previewed the improved Google Assistant driving experience, which will be implemented in English. for US Android users.
A new “easy to drive” interface makes it easy to get things done without losing focus on the road. Voice commands allow you to send and receive calls and text messages, check messages and get an SMS reading; The Assistant even alerts you to incoming calls so you can answer or decline without taking your hands off the wheel.
Just enter your destination in Google Maps and tap the pop-up to get started. Or visit the Assistant settings on Android, select “Get Around” and turn on “Driving Mode. Fancy some entertainment? The feature lets you stream media from hundreds of providers, including YouTube Music, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
“Even in a pandemic, more than a billion people continue to turn to Google Maps to navigate their new normal, and our work is far from done,” wrote Glasgow. “Whatever your plans are for this holiday season and no matter how much they have changed, Google Maps can make them easier and safer for you.”
