Google Maps has been updated to v9.68 bringing many new additions and changes to one of the many Google apps that we use daily. The update brings new refined indoor maps that is placed in a prominent and more accessible place, it also prepares for intelligent out of range warnings, directions to similar routes and many more.
Though Indoors Maps has been lying in the Google Maps since 2011, the feature wasn’t that obvious for everyone to notice. With the latest update, Google has refined its placement, open the details page of any place with an indoor map and scroll down to the area between Q&A and popular times, you will see the indoor map clearly displayed in that spot. Tapping on it will enlarge the indoor map. Another significant addition is the subtle polishing of the Picture-in-Picture mode for maps with a short hint to let you know PiP window can be closed by dragging it to the bottom of the screen.
The update adds a new option to routes asking users to decide if Maps should show regular routes preference when suggesting directions. This is really helpful if you are new to the town which mostly prefers and is familiar with only one route over another. This feature is enabled by default, and if you wish to disable it, you can do it settings -> Personal content. While these are some of the features of the latest version, the updated APK teardown reveals what’s coming in the future.
One among them is the Out of Range feature; this feature warns users that the car can’t reach the destination in one go and need to make a stop to find a place to recharge along the way. Google Maps is great for searching and adding stops, and with this addition, it brings more refinement. This feature is meant to work both on fuel and electric cars.
Google Maps soon will be able to guide you Public transit with notifications that will help in easier navigation through transit stations. These instructions are neatly customized to fit notifications and will have fewer instructions. Offline maps are a neat way to stay on the safe side when you are not connected to the internet, but they are of no use if you are not using them. In the upcoming updates, Google may begin backing off on the unused maps in regular updates that are lying on your phone taking up space. However, how maps will consider an offline map as unused is unclear at the moment.
Other changes like friendly GPS messages, Proper names for administrative divisions, Fare breakdown, Start screen shortcuts, full-screen review editor and more will be soon making their way into the Maps for better user experience. The new Google Maps with version number 9.68.0 beta is available to download via PlayStore, but if you don’t see an update, you can always side-load Google signed safe to install APK from here.