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Google Maps is evolving faster than its car GPS brothers, and best of all, it\u2019s still free. In addition to the features below that should help you in your journeys, Google Maps is now compatible with not only iPhones, but Androids and iPads, too \u2013 as of last week. Not only has the app gained tons of functionality and a few new platforms, it\u2019s more car friendly than ever.<\/p>\n
Real-Time Voiced Traffic Updates<\/b><\/p>\n
While Google Maps has always been good at showing you where traffic may be occurring, it\u2019s difficult to glance at your phone while you\u2019re driving to see if you\u2019re about to hit a nasty spell so you can take an alternate route. Now, when you\u2019ve set Maps to talk to you, it\u2019ll keep you updated on accidents, construction, and traffic miles before you encounter it so you can make an educated decision on what to do.<\/p>\n
Suggestions and Pictures<\/b><\/p>\n
Are you in a city you\u2019ve never been in before on a business trip? Do you not have any idea where food is? Fear not \u2013 Google Maps has you covered. Once you reach your destination safely, the program will provide pictures of the inside and outside the building you arrived at in order to give you a good idea of what you\u2019re looking for. Then, it\u2019ll suggest local entertainment and food that has been rated favorably on Google Local to give you some good ideas of what\u2019s good and what you should avoid.<\/p>\n
Built-In Google Earth<\/b><\/p>\n
Trying to figure out exactly where that neat restaurant by the bay is? Google Earth can help, and it\u2019s as easy as choosing the option in the left hand menu. If you choose, you can have the app point out the prominent, popular locations as well as sightseeing locations at the bottom of the screen so you don\u2019t miss out.<\/p>\n
While all of these features are long overdue, they mark a new era for Google Maps \u2013 one that will help casual travelers and business travelers alike.<\/p>\n