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Tag: Google Maps

  • Google Maps Announces New Features In India: Alerts for Road Widths, Flyovers & More |

    New Delhi: Google Maps has revolutionised the way we navigate our world and made life so much easier. From finding the quickest route to discovering new places, it has become an essential tool for daily living. Now, Google Maps has announced an exciting new set of features specifically designed for India. 

    The company is introducing a new feature which will help reduce the narrow roads for driving four-wheelers. This feature will utilise AI to estimate road widths and will be available for Maps users in India. By incorporating satellite imagery, Street View, and other data, Google Maps can estimate road widths at scale. This will ensure safer travel and will be more reliable for four-wheeler drivers, bikers, pedestrians and other commuters using narrow roads.

    “Clear Callouts” for Narrow Roads in 8 Cities

    It will also add “clear callouts” in its Directions and Navigations screens to alert users about narrow sections on their route. This new feature will start rolling out on Android devices this week in eight cities which includes Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati. Support for iOS and expansion to more cities are planned for the future.

    Flyover Navigation Now Available in 40 Indian Cities

    One of the features on Google Maps will help drivers navigate flyovers in many Indian cities. The app will highlight flyovers on recommended routes that will allow drivers to prepare in advance. The feature will be available for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler navigation in 40 cities across India on Android apps and Android Auto. Support for iOS and CarPlay is coming soon.

    Info for 8,000 EV Charging Stations

    Google Maps and Google search will now provide information about EV charging stations in India for electric (EV) users. It is collaborating with leading EV charging providers to offer authoritative details for over 8,000 charging stations that will cover a significant portion of the available charging stations in the country.

    Book Metro Tickets in Kochi and Chennai via Google Maps

    Google Maps now makes it easy to book metro tickets in Kochi and Chennai through a partnership with ONDC and Namma Yatri.

    Easily Report Road Incidents

    The company has also simplified reporting road incidents. With just a few taps, users can report construction or traffic issues and confirm others’ reports to improve information reliability. This update is available on all platforms, including Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

    Curated Lists for Dining and Tourist Spots 

    Google is teaming up with NDTV Food and MagicPin to bring curated lists to ten cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur. These lists will offer recommendations for tourist spots and dining options and make it even easier to explore and enjoy new places.

  • Google Maps Vs Ola Maps: Which Navigation App Delivers Best Features For Indian Users? |

    Google Maps Vs Ola Maps: In the dynamic world of navigation apps, Google Maps and Ola Maps stand out as two prominent players, each offering unique features tailored to diverse user needs. Google Maps, renowned for its comprehensive global coverage, real-time traffic updates, and seamless integration with various services has set a high benchmark in navigation technology.

    On the other hand, Ola Maps, backed by the ride-hailing giant Ola, provides localized insights and a user-centric approach that caters specifically to Indian users. Both the Google Maps and Ola Maps are digital mapping and navigation services. Ola has recently unveiled a substantial price cut in its pricing structure, coming on the heels of Google’s announcement of a 70 per cent reduction in Maps API fees for Indian developers and startups.  

    Let’s Have A Quick Look On Key Difference in Google And Ola Maps: 

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: India-Centric Features  

    Google Maps offers a broader set of features but may lack some local nuances that are essential for specific regions. Meanwhile, the Ola Maps may provide more India-specific features and detailed local information tailored to the unique needs and preferences of Indian users. This focus allows Ola Maps to deliver a more customized and relevant navigation experience for those within India, addressing local traffic patterns, regional landmarks, and cultural specifics that a globally oriented service like Google Maps might not fully capture. 

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: User Base

    Google Maps has a much larger, global user base, serving millions of users worldwide with its extensive and versatile mapping services. On the other hand, Ola Maps likely has a smaller, more India-focused user base, catering specifically to users within India. This localized approach allows Ola Maps to concentrate on providing features and information tailored to the needs of Indian users, while Google Maps’ broader reach accommodates a diverse range of international users. 

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: Different Data Sources

    Google Maps relies on a vast array of global data sources, leveraging information from numerous contributors worldwide to ensure comprehensive and accurate mapping services. On the other hand, Ola Maps may utilize more localized data sources within India, allowing it to provide detailed and relevant information tailored specifically to the Indian context. This localized approach helps Ola Maps deliver insights and features that are particularly useful for users navigating within India.

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: Geographic Focus 

    Google Maps provides global coverage, offering comprehensive mapping services for locations around the world. On the other hand, Ola Maps is primarily focused on India, delivering specialized features and local information tailored to the unique needs of Indian users. This specific focus allows Ola Maps to offer a more customized and relevant navigation experience for those navigating within India. 

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: Integration With Ride-Hailing

    Google Maps offers ride-hailing integration with multiple providers, giving users the flexibility to choose from various services when planning their journeys. Meanwhile, Ola Maps is more tightly integrated with Ola’s own ride-hailing services, providing a seamless experience for users who prefer to book rides through Ola. This close integration ensures a more cohesive experience for Ola customers, allowing them to access ride-hailing services directly within the Ola Maps app. 

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: Updates And Accuracy

    Google Maps is considered more frequently updated and accurate on a global scale, benefiting from its extensive resources and broad user base that contribute to its real-time data and coverage. However, Ola Maps might have specific advantages in certain Indian localities, offering more precise and relevant information tailored to regional needs. This localized expertise allows Ola Maps to excel in areas where its focus on India provides a competitive edge, addressing local conditions and user requirements more effectively than a global service might. 

    Google Maps vs Ola Maps: Company Origin

    Google Maps is developed by Google, a multinational tech company known for its extensive global reach and technological expertise. Meanwhile, Ola Maps is developed by Ola, an Indian ride-hailing company with a focus on the Indian market. This difference reflects the distinct goals and specializations of each service, with Google Maps offering a broad, international perspective and Ola Maps concentrating on delivering tailored navigation solutions for users within India. 

    Disclaimer: This comparison of Google Maps and Ola Maps is based on available information and personal opinions. Individual experiences may vary. Conduct your own research to choose the best service for you.

  • Google Maps Rolls Out Speedometer And Speed Limit Feature For iPhone Users; Here’s How To Use |

    New Delhi: Tech Giant Google has globally rolled out a live speedometer and speed limit display on iPhone and Apple CarPlay to enhance Google Maps on iOS devices. This feature, introduced for Android devices in 2019, was expanded to over 40 countries after initially being limited to select markets in May 2019.

    After five years on Android, the tech giant has launched this update for iPhone users to help them avoid speeding while driving. Notably, Google Maps introduced these new speeding features in India last week, with the update now rolling out globally.

    The new feature is available in Google Maps for iOS version 6.123.0. To access it, iPhone and CarPlay users simply need to open the Google Maps app on their iPhone.

    How To Use Speed Limit Feature On Google Maps 

    Step 1: Open the App

    Start by opening the navigation app on your device.

    Step 2: Tap on Profile Picture 

    Tap on your profile picture located at the top right corner of the screen.

    Step 3: Go to Settings 

    In the menu that appears, select the “Settings” option.

    Step 4: Select Navigation and Driving Options 

    In the settings menu, find and tap on the “Navigation and Driving Options” section. 

    Step 5: Enable Speedometer/Speed Limit Toggles 

    You will be redirected to a page with various toggles. Look for the “Speedometer/Speed Limit” toggles and switch them on. 

    Step 6: View Speed Limits Feature 

    Once enabled, the speed limits feature will be displayed as a circular floating icon in the bottom-left corner of the navigation screen while driving. 

    The Google Support page states that if the speed limit feature is available in your area, you can easily toggle the speedometer on or off by tapping the Speed Limit icon during navigation. In addition, Google is working on new features for Maps to enhance group travel.

    The new speed limit feature is being rolled out gradually and may take a few days to reach all iPhone users. However, it is currently not visible for iPhone users.

  • Google Maps Navigation Leads Hyderabad-Based Four Tourists Into Stream In Kerala |

    Kerala: Using Google Maps to navigate resulted in a tourist group from Hyderabad driving into a stream swollen with water near Kuruppanthara in this south Kerala district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred late Friday night when the four-member group, including a woman, were going towards Alappuzha. 

    The road they were travelling on was covered by water overflowing from the stream due to heavy rains and since the tourists were unfamiliar with the area, they drove right into the water body while navigating using Google maps, police said. 

    All four managed to escape unharmed due to the efforts of a nearby police patrolling unit and local residents, but their vehicle was completely submerged under the water, an officer of Kaduthuruthy police station said. The vehicle -a Ford Endeavour – was later pulled out of the stream using a crane. (Also Read: CEO Elon Musk Accuses WhatsApp, Claims Meta App Breaches Private User Data Every Night)

    Thereafter, the man who was driving the vehicle told reporters that he and his friends were going to Alappuzha from Munnar and they took the route shown by Google Maps. “At around 2-3 pm, it started raining very heavily. 

    The road was waterlogged. I was going very slow at around 10 kms per hour. But, suddenly the front tyres went deep into the water and the vehicle lost control. “Then the rear tyres also went in and the vehicle started floating forward. We quickly pulled down the windows and jumped out. We somehow managed to safely reach the shore,” he said. 

    Meanwhile, residents of the area said such accidents happen there during the rainy season when the road gets submerged. This is not the first such Google map-related accident reported in Kerala. In October last year, two young doctors died in a car accident which occurred after they allegedly followed directions on Google Maps and fell into a river. (Also Read: WhatsApp To Soon Allow Users To Put AI-Generated Profile Photos Based On Interests, Personalities, Moods)

    Following the incident, the Kerala police had issued cautionary guidelines for using the technology during the monsoon season.

  • Google Maps Utilizes Generative AI For Uncovering New Places; Check Details Here |

    New Delhi: Google Maps is set to undergo a significant upgrade with the integration of generative AI aiming to enhance user experiences. Through this new feature, the tech giant plans to revolutionize how users discover places, receive recommendations, and interact with the app.

    The addition of large language models and personalized suggestions marks a notable shift in the capabilities of Google Maps offering a glimpse into the future of AI-driven navigation and exploration.

    According to a blog post from Google, Maps will utilize large language models (LLM) to examine over 250 million locations and input from more than 300 million Local Guides. This will enable the app to provide suggestions tailored to user preferences by considering details from nearby businesses, including photos, reviews, and ratings. (Also Read: Apple Gears Up For Foldable Future: Report Indicates Entry Into Foldable Device Market by 2027)

    Users can also pose additional questions, such as ‘How about lunch?’, to receive recommendations for places that align with their previous inquiries. Subsequently, they will have the option to include the suggested place in a list or share it with friends. (Also Read: Apple Declares Final MacBook Featuring Disc Drive As ‘Obsolete’)

    As mentioned by Tech giant, users can inquire with Maps about activities suitable for a rainy day. In response, the app will provide suggestions for indoor activities, such as comedy shows or movie theaters in the nearby area, along with reviews from individuals who have already rated those places.

    The initial functionality supported by generative AI will only be accessible to a small group of Local Guides located in the United States. However, Google has not provided details about when it will become available for individuals residing in other countries.

    Although the differences between the new search results and traditional queries are not clear yet, it’s likely that the company will use generative AI to provide conversational Bard-style responses instead of presenting a list of places or activities. While currently available to a limited audience, the potential for this innovative feature to expand globally hints at an exciting future for navigation technology.