Google Maps has recently received a new feature that adds more capabilities to the mapping application when in navigation mode.
The feature, which is available on version 9 of this mapping application, shows users heads-up bubbles that indicate any turns ahead of the driver. In addition to this, users will also be able to see bubbles announcing any street ahead or even names of exits. The feature has been around for quite some time but only a select few were able to use it. However, Google has finally revealed that the feature will be coming to every user of the app across the globe.
How to know if the feature is enabled on your device
Usually, many apps do not usually receive updates on the same day. They tend to take different periods to reach different handsets as well as regions across the globe. As a result, you will be forced to sometimes check manually whether the update has been pushed to your device.
The first thing you need to do when checking for the latest Google Maps feature is to ensure that the mapping app installed on your device is actually the latest version from the Google Play Store. Once you are sure of this, go to the app’s navigation mode by getting the driving directions to a given destination and then go ahead and tap on the blue arrow that shows up at the lower end of the display screen.
Right there you should see your first turn, street or exit marked by a small bubble and this is to alert you that your destination is right up ahead of you. The app will also include an arrow showing you which route you need to take in order to reach your destination.
There is no doubt that some will not even notice this change or rather addition. However, it is a very useful one as it eliminates the need to cross-check the turns displayed at the top of the screen on the map itself. In this way, drivers will now be easy to focus more on driving than other things on the mapping app.
Google Maps is currently available for download via the Play Store and it is free. At the moment, this update is currently rolling out to those using this application on Android devices, however, other platforms will also be updated with the same capabilities sooner than later, especially considering that this application is the most used across the country and globe in general.