Google Maps is adding six new features for its users in India this week, which includes one of the most-wanted options. Maps will now raise a call out for flyovers so that you don’t end up taking the wrong lane. The platform is also enabling more electric vehicle (EV) features and more functional updates for people using Maps for their daily navigation. Google has been adding AI to Maps for some advanced features but it is easy to see why the platform has needed basic additions as well.
Take The Flyover, Finally
Many Maps users over the years have wished for the platform to get flyovers right. In fact, back in December, we also quizzed the Google Maps team about their plans to make this feature tick. Well, the update is finally here, at least for the Android users, who can now take advantage of a feature called take flyover, which you will hear when you are approaching a flyover and need to take it for your journey.
“We’re introducing a new feature on Google Maps where we will call out flyovers along your recommended route. This feature helps you anticipate upcoming flyovers and prepare ahead of time to get onto the flyover,” Google said in a post on Thursday. The feature will work in 40+ cities initially for 2W and 4W Maps versions but the iOS roll out will happen later. Mappls by MapMyIndia has offered the feature for a while, but it is good to have Google offer it as well.
EV Support For Charging
Maps users in India are getting a broader set of support for EVs, both two and four-wheelers. Google says you will get information on 8000+ charging stations for your EV and also get details like the plug type of the station and real-time availability. Google is working with the likes of Ather, Kazam, Statiq, and ElectricPe to widen its network and make the updates available.
Maps is also doing a market-first feature to support electric two-wheelers charging stations in India which will eventually expand to other countries. With the expanding EV ecosystem in the country, these features will allow more people to easily access the details.
Report Road Closures Easily
Google says Maps is now making it easier to report accidents, road closure and other issues. People face issues with late-night gate curfews and blockades that are not updated on Maps, which the platform is slowly trying to pick up and fix for the users.
“You can now report it with just a few taps, making it easy and less distracting. You can even confirm others’ reports with a single tap which helps increase confidence in these user reported incidents,” Google explains in the post. This update will be available for all Maps platforms in the country.
Maps will also alert you about a narrow road during the travel, especially for car drivers who mistakenly enter an area where driving through could be a nightmare. Google is using AI tech from its satellite imagery and street view to define the width of the road and make it easier for people to spot it on Maps.
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