Summary
Google Maps is one of the most irreplaceable products to come from Google. However, no matter how much of a Maps pro you are, there’s probably some features you don’t know about. Here are four features that can make Google Maps even more useful for you.
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Like many Google products, Google Maps has become the clear leader in navigation. One estimate says that around one in every eight people globally use Google Maps for navigation each month. If you’re in the group that uses Google Maps regularly, here are some features that might enhance your experience even more.
For Personal Tech Media, this is Two Minute Tech. I’m Jim Herman.
First, if you’re looking for a quick way to zoom in or out, double tap on the map and hold the second tap. Then drag your finger up to zoom out or down to zoom in. This is the same as pinching the screen, but it’s easier to do, especially if you only have one hand free.
Second, on Android, you can create a shortcut for driving home. Open the widget selector, look for the maps entries, and then choose directions. Then, you can set a destination, mode of transportation, and other routing options. When planning travel, you can also do this with places you plan to visit and have them all one tap away on your home screen.
Third, Google Maps can also give you traffic updates. Open the map details option and choose traffic to activate this feature. Google will display live traffic updates on the map. If you want an idea of how long a trip will take, Google’s historic traffic data can provide an estimate if you use the “Depart At” and “Arrive By” options.
And finally, in a quirky but not so helpful feature, you can tap on the icon that designates your current location and change it to something that looks like your vehicle. You can choose between the default arrow, a sedan, a pickup truck, or an SUV.