Key Points:
- A Saved button has been added, allowing you to bookmark destinations.
- The Contribute button will make it easier for people to leave reviews.
- The Updates button will make it easier for people to find top-rated local businesses.
- Google has changed Street View, displaying a red pin above your intended location.
- More information has been added to public transport.
Google has announced a major new update for its popular Google Maps app. This corresponds with the 15th anniversary of the app. Since it’s inception it has become a vital tool for business owners, allowing them to connect with customers.
The most significant change has been to add three new buttons. These can be found at the bottom of the screen. In the previous version, there were Commute and Explore. Now, you will be able to find Saved, Updates, and Contribute. This makes it easier for users to access these features.
The “Saved” button will allow you to bookmark locations that you want to visit. You will also be able to curate your bookmarked locations into lists.
The “Contribute” section will make it easier for people to leave a review of businesses. You will also be able to post photos. These will be publicly available for other Google users. This will make it easier for people to find the most well-reviewed businesses in the area.
The “Updates” button will show you the latest information about the area. For example, people unfamiliar with the area will be able to find recommended places to stay. These recommendations will be based on reviews from local experts. You will also be able to find which local businesses are trending.
In addition to the new buttons, Google has added a range of new features to make the app even easier to use. One of the biggest is the remodeling of the “Live View” section. In previous versions, you were guided by large blue arrows. In the new app, there will be a red pin above your destination. This will be coming in March
Another big new feature, coming in March, is providing more information about public transport. Currently, you will be able to see if there a bus available and when it is expected to arrive. However, in the new version, you will be able to get more information. This can include information like security features, temperature, and how crowded it is. In some countries, you might be able to see if there is a section for women.
In this latest update, it’s clear that Google is placing a greater focus on the customer experience. This was demonstrated in the focus on making existing features, like the ability to leave reviews, easier to find and access.
This will also allow Google to gather and use more data. For example, it will be easier to find which businesses provide a good experience. Their ability to gather this data remains their biggest advantage over their rivals, like Apple. This will allow them to make their app even more powerful in the future.
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