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Google Maps is getting 3 big features to help you plan vacation more easily

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With the summer season just around the corner, people will soon start exploring places for their vacations, which means that the usage of Google Maps is going to shoot up. Right before that happens, Google has announced that it is adding three new features to Google Maps for Android and iOS, which will make the platform more helpful and easier for you to use during your vacation.

First is curated lists for a location, which should help you explore the place in a better way. Second is the ability to allow you to manually arrange places in a list, which will make it easier for you to maintain a list or plan a trip. Third is the ability to show an AI-generated summary of a place, which should help you to explore a place quickly. Let’s take a deeper look at these features.

Google Maps will soon show curated lists

According to Google, now when you search for a location on Google Maps and swipe up on the location card, you will be able to see three lists, the top list, the trending list, and the gems list. The top list will show you the places “the Maps community has consistently loved,” the trending list will contain places that have “recently seen a spike in popularity on Maps,” and the gems list will show you places “that might be a neighborhood’s best-kept secret.

Google Maps Curate Lists

Along with it, Google Maps will show lists from major platforms, such as Lonely Planet, The New York Times, and OpenTable, as well as lists curated by the Google Maps community. All these lists should give you a better idea about a place and help you decide what to explore and what to eat. Google says “You’ll start seeing these lists in more than 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada this week.

You can now reorder places in lists

If you are an avid Google Maps user, you might know that the platform allows you to create lists and add places to them. Up until now, when you added a new place to a list, it used to get added to the bottom of the list. There was no option to reorder places, which was frustrating if you needed to move a place up or down for whatever reasons. Well, Google is fixing that.

Google Maps Customize List Order

According to Google, you can now “choose the order places appear in your lists,” which should make it easier for you to organise a list to your liking. The company says that with the new feature, “if you’re planning a trip and compiling recommendations, you can organize them chronologically — like an itinerary.” “After you’ve visited places on your list, move them up or down to create a ranked list of your favorite places you visited to help you provide the best recommendations,” it further adds. The feature has gone live on the platform.

AI-generated summary to quickly know a place

Google Maps offers you a lot of information about a place, such as showing you reviews and photos of a place, which helps you get to know it in detail. However, going through each review and photo could be a frustrating task, especially when you are in a hurry and need to know about a place quickly. Well, Google is making the task easier for you with the help of AI.

Google Maps AI-Generated Summary

The company says that now when you swipe up on a place, Google Maps will show you an AI-generated summary of what people think about it. Along with that, when you are scrolling through photos of food, it will use AI to show the name of the dish, and “show you helpful information based on the menu — like what it costs, if it’s popular, and even if it’s vegetarian or vegan — so you know if you want to make a reservation.” At the moment, there’s no information about when this feature will go live.

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Google Maps Gains New AI Tools, Updated Recommendation Lists and More

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Google today announced several changes that it is making to the Google Maps platform, including an AI update. Google Maps now provides better at-a-glance information on locations, with the details powered by Google AI.

Google maps feaure purple
Maps shows photo highlights and reviews that summarize what people like about a location. A restaurant’s food items can be identified using AI, and Google Maps will also provide cost, potential availability, and whether or not it caters to dietary restrictions.

Google says that it will now be easier to discover helpful recommendation lists from top sites and the Google Maps community in select cities in the U.S. and Canada. To use the feature, search for a city and swipe to see curated lists of recommendations from people familiar with the city. There are also Trending, Top, and Gems lists that highlight popular locations to visit when traveling. The feature is available in 40 cities this week, with more coming in the future.

To go along with the change to recommendations, Google is adding new customization tools for creating lists in Maps. Google Maps users can choose the order that places appear in their created lists to rank them, and there are options to link content from social channels. Google says that the list updates will be rolling out on Android and iOS later this month.

Finally, Google Maps users can expect to see a refreshed design that includes a cleaner home screen with fewer tabs and new pin colors that make it easier to find places on the map.

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Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18

Apple may be planning to add support for “custom routes” in Apple Maps in iOS 18, according to code reviewed by MacRumors. Apple Maps does not currently offer a way to input self-selected routes, with Maps users limited to Apple’s pre-selected options, but that may change in iOS 18. Apple has pushed an iOS 18 file to its maps backend labeled “CustomRouteCreation.” While not much is revealed…

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Apple Watch Topographic Maps Could Expand to iPhone in iOS 18

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Apple appears to be gearing up to add topographic maps to the Apple Maps apps in iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2, according to code reviewed by MacRumors.

watchos 10 maps app
First introduced with watchOS 10, topographic maps include trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest, features that are of use for hiking and other outdoor activities where accurate navigation is essential.

Since debuting topographic maps, Apple has been expanding support throughout the United States, and this year, Apple may be ready to bring it to iOS, macOS, and ‌visionOS‌.

Backend topographic maps code was introduced last year, but only ‌watchOS 10‌ had the feature. The code was dormant on iOS and macOS at that time, but in the backend files for ‌iOS 18‌, macOS 15, and ‌visionOS‌ 2, the code is active, suggesting an expansion.

The possibility of topographic maps follows our report yesterday on another possible ‌Apple Maps‌ feature, support for custom routes. With custom routes, users will presumably be able to create their own routes without being limited to Apple’s pre-selected options.

‌‌iOS 18‌‌ will be introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10, and it appears there will be quite a few new features for ‌Apple Maps‌. For more details about the update, check out our iOS 18 roundup.

(Thanks, Nicolás!)



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Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18

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Apple may be planning to add support for “custom routes” in Apple Maps in iOS 18, according to code reviewed by MacRumors.

apple maps 3d feature
‌Apple Maps‌ does not currently offer a way to input self-selected routes, with Maps users limited to Apple’s pre-selected options, but that may change in ‌iOS 18‌. Apple has pushed an ‌iOS 18‌ file to its maps back-end labeled “CustomRouteCreation.” While not much is revealed by the file except for the name, it does mention that this upcoming feature will be limited to the United States at launch.

Custom routes would allow users to set what specific roads they want to travel down, whether for scenic purposes or for the familiarity of a route. Route options beyond the default have been a highly requested ‌Apple Maps‌ feature for several years now, and other services like Google Maps allow users to create custom routes on a computer and then view them on an iOS device.

‌iOS 18‌ will be introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10. For more details about the update, check out our iOS 18 roundup.

(Thanks, Nicolás!)

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Google Maps on Galaxy Watch now shows public transit options

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Last updated: March 20th, 2024 at 14:19 UTC+01:00

At MWC 2024, Google announced a new feature for Google Maps for Wear OS. This feature shows you public transit options to reach a location. The company reiterated the feature in the March 2024 Pixel Feature Drop. Now, it has finally started rolling out the feature.

According to a new report from 9To5Google, Google is making public transit directions available in version 11.119.0702.W of Google Maps for Wear OS as a server-side change. If you have this version of the app on your Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 5, or Watch 6 series smartwatch, you should be able to see the public transit option soon. If not, make sure to update the app from the Google Play Store on your watch.

Google Maps Wear OS Public Tansit Options

With this feature, when you search for a location, Google Maps will show you the new Transit option along with the Driving, Walking, and Cycling options. Once you click on the Transit option, the app will show you how you can reach the location using public transport, including showing you how to reach the nearby station, which train or bus to catch, and the arrival/departure timings for those buses and trains.

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Apple Maps Cycling Directions Expand to Belgium

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Apple Maps has expanded the availability of cycling routes in Europe by adding support for the country of Belgium.

belgium apple maps cycling routes
Apple first added cycling directions to ‌Apple Maps‌ in iOS 14, providing specific directions for bike riders with bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly routes that highlight steep inclines, stairs, and other obstacles.

Elsewhere in Europe, ‌Apple Maps‌ currently provides cycling routes across France and Germany, as well as in Barcelona, Spain, and London, England. Coverage is more widespread in other parts of the world, such as mainland China, Japan, the United States, and select cities in Canada.

Apple maintains a list of all of the areas where cycling directions are available on its website, but Belgium is yet to be added.

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How to create laser engraving depth maps from AI generated images

creating depth maps for laser engraving from AI artwork

The world of design and manufacturing is witnessing a significant shift with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the realm of 3D laser engraving. The ability to create a wide range of amazing designs and concepts in just a few minutes is reshaping the capabilities of manufacturing for small businesses and enthusiasts. If you would like to learn how to create depth maps for laser engraving from AI generated images this quick guide will show you how to build maps for intricate designs that can be etched onto various materials, including wood, metal and more.

The key to achieving high-quality 3D engravings lies in the creation of depth maps from AI-generated images, a process that is both fascinating and complex yet extremely easy to do thanks to AI tools. Imagine being able to transform a flat image into a textured, three-dimensional work of art. Once you have your AI-generated artwork, the next step involves converting it into a depth map for you to create  an engraving.

TilingZoeDepth AI App

This is where the Tiling Zod Dev project comes into play. Created by Bill F. Smith, this project offers the tools needed to turn your images into the maps that will guide the laser during the engraving process. By using Google Colab, a cloud-based platform that can be accessed with a Google account, you can upload your image and execute a series of commands to generate depth maps in both low and high resolutions.

Workflow:

  1. Generate a depth map for the overall image
  2. Split original image into overlapping tiles
  3. Generate depth maps for the tiles
  4. Reassemble into a single depth map by applying gradient masks and average weighting from first depth map
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 at higher resolution
  6. Combine all three depth maps by:
    a) Calculate edge filter from original RGB image
    b) Blur edge filter and use as mask for high resolution depth map
    c) Apply masked high resolution to average of low and medium resolution depth maps

Building depth maps for laser engraving from AI images

Watch the excellent tutorial currently created by Justin Laser  below to learn more about how you can easily create depth maps from AI artwork that you can then laser engrave onto a wide variety of different materials.

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These depth maps are crucial as they dictate how the laser interacts with the material’s surface, creating the stunning 3D effect. After the maps are generated, they can be downloaded for use in the laser engraving machine. It’s important to disconnect from the server after this step to avoid any potential penalties.

The next phase is the actual engraving, where understanding the relationship between the laser and the material is essential. For example, CO2 lasers are typically used for softer materials like wood, while fiber lasers are more suitable for engraving metals. It’s crucial to adjust the laser settings based on the depth map guidelines to ensure the final product has the desired level of detail and precision.

Depth maps have revolutionized the field of laser engraving by enabling a degree of detail and realism that was once difficult to achieve. They bring out the natural beauty of wood grains and the reflective qualities of metals, elevating the aesthetic value of the material.

Things to consider when  creating depth maps for engraving

Creating depth maps from AI-generated artwork for laser engraving involves several critical considerations to ensure the final product meets high standards of detail and quality. This guide covers essential aspects, including selecting the right AI tools, preparing images, converting them into depth maps, and understanding material-laser interactions. Each step plays a crucial role in achieving a textured, three-dimensional engraving that enhances the visual appeal of the material.

1. Selecting AI Tools for Image Generation

  • Quality and Detail: Choose AI applications that can generate high-resolution images with the level of detail necessary for engraving. Look for software that specializes in creating images with depth, such as those capable of producing bas-relief effects.
  • Customization Options: Opt for AI tools that offer extensive customization options, allowing you to adjust features like texture, depth, and lighting to create a more realistic 3D effect.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the AI-generated images are compatible with the software or platform you plan to use for converting them into depth maps.

2. Preparing AI-Generated Artwork

  • Image Resolution: High-resolution images are essential for capturing fine details in the engraving process. Aim for the highest possible resolution within the limits of your software and hardware.
  • Contrast and Brightness: Adjust the contrast and brightness of your images to highlight the details. Depth map conversion tools often rely on these elements to differentiate between various levels of depth.
  • Simplification: Simplify complex images if necessary. Too many details can result in a cluttered depth map, making it difficult for the laser to accurately reproduce the design.

3. Converting Images into Depth Maps

  • Software Selection: Use reliable software or platforms, such as Google Colab with projects like Tiling Zod Dev, that can efficiently convert images into depth maps. These tools should offer options for both low and high-resolution outputs.
  • Depth Map Resolution: Choose the appropriate resolution for your depth map based on the material you’re engraving and the complexity of your design. Higher resolution maps are better for detailed and intricate designs.
  • Understanding Depth Levels: Familiarize yourself with how your chosen software interprets different shades of gray to represent depth. This understanding will help you adjust your original image for optimal depth map creation.

4. Material and Laser Considerations

  • Material Selection: The choice of material (e.g., wood, metal) significantly impacts the engraving process. Understand how different materials react to laser engraving to select the most suitable one for your project.
  • Laser Type: CO2 lasers are generally used for softer materials like wood, while fiber lasers are better for metals. Selecting the right laser type is crucial for achieving the desired engraving effect.
  • Laser Settings: Adjust the laser settings based on the depth map guidelines. Factors like power, speed, and frequency need to be tailored to both the material and the specific details of the depth map.

5. Testing and Adjustments

  • Pilot Runs: Before finalizing the engraving on your chosen material, perform tests on similar, less valuable materials. This allows you to adjust the depth map and laser settings as needed.
  • Iterative Adjustments: Use the results of your tests to make necessary adjustments to the image, depth map, or laser settings. It might take several iterations to achieve the desired outcome.

The integration of AI-generated imagery into 3D laser engraving represents a significant advancement in how we create and appreciate detailed designs. By carefully selecting the appropriate AI tools and understanding the nuances of laser-material interactions, designers and manufacturers can produce works that truly enhance the visual appeal of any material. This process is not just about the technology; it’s about marrying art with innovation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and manufacturing.

Image Source :  Justin Laser

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Google Maps Gets Generative AI

Google Maps

Google has announced that it is bringing Generative AI to Google Maps, this new feature is being released in the USA first and it will be available in early access to users of select Local Guides.

Let’s say you’re visiting San Francisco and want to plan a few hours of thrifting for unique vintage finds. Just ask Maps what you’re looking for, like “places with a vintage vibe in SF.” Our AI models will analyze Maps’ rich information about nearby businesses and places along with photos, ratings and reviews from the Maps community to give you trustworthy suggestions.

You’ll see results organized into helpful categories — like clothing stores, vinyl shops and flea markets — along with photo carousels and review summaries that highlight why a place might be interesting for you to visit.

Maybe you also want to grab a bite to eat somewhere that keeps those vintage vibes going. Continue the conversation with a follow-up question like “How about lunch?” Maps will suggest places that match the vintage vibe you’re looking for, like an old-school diner nearby. From there, you can save the places to a list to stay organized, share with friends or revisit in the future.

You can find out more details about the changes and features coming to Google Maps with Generative AI over at Google’s website at the link below, Google is expected to expand this feature further to Maos this year.

Source Google

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How to use ChatGPT to create flowcharts, diagrams & mind maps

use ChatGPT to create mind-maps, diagrams and flowcharts

The ability to quickly turn complex thoughts into clear visuals is invaluable in today’s fast-paced world. ChatGPT as a fantastically versatile tools that can help anyone from students to professionals visualize their ideas with ease. Whether you’re looking to improve your learning, understand systems better, generate new ideas, or enhance your brainstorming sessions, ChatGPT’s features can be a significant asset.

Visual aids like mind maps and ChatGPT flowcharts do more than just show information; they make it easier to understand and remember. When ChatGPT this combined with the AI diagrams plugin, developed in collaboration with Whimsical, to create these visuals that are specifically designed to meet your needs. This handy plugin is designed to help you gain a deeper insight into any topic you’re exploring all thought process you might be exploring. The Whimsical AI diagrams plugin available in the ChatGPT Plugins library is a fast way to turn text information into visual diagrams on the Whimsical platform, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to visualize their ideas quickly and accurately.

Create ChatGPT flowcharts using plugins

When creating diagrams, it’s important to have a clear strategy. The GCA (Goal, Context, Action) prompt sequence is a method that helps guide ChatGPT in crafting diagrams that meet your specific goals. By defining what you want to achieve and providing the right context, ChatGPT can take the necessary steps to produce a diagram that meets your exact needs.

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Choosing visual diagrams over traditional text lists can greatly enhance how you process information. They foster creative thinking and help in structuring and prioritizing thoughts, which is especially beneficial during brainstorming sessions. For instance, a mind map can simplify the understanding of complex systems, such as the architecture of sophisticated language models like ChatGPT itself.

Once ChatGPT has generated a diagram, you’re not stuck with a static image. You have the freedom to customize it to ensure that the final product is not just informative but also tailored to your specific project or field of study. This level of personalization means that the diagrams you work with are perfectly aligned with your objectives.

If you don’t have access to ChatGPT plugins you can also use the free version of ChatGPT to create flowcharts, diagrams and more. Here’s a quick overview.

How to create flowcharts with ChatGPT without plugins

ChatGPT can assist in generating content, structuring ideas, or providing suggestions for the flowchart, while Whimsical is the platform where the actual diagram will be created and visually organized.

  • Define the Purpose of Your Flowchart: Start by clearly defining what you want your flowchart to represent. This could be a process, a decision tree, a set of instructions, etc. Knowing the purpose will guide the structure and content of your flowchart.
  • Generate Content with ChatGPT: Use ChatGPT to help brainstorm or refine the steps, decisions, or processes that will be included in your flowchart. For example, if you’re creating a flowchart for a customer service process, you can ask ChatGPT to list typical steps in such a process.
  • Organize the Information: Once you have the necessary content, organize it logically. Determine the starting point, the sequential steps, decision points, end points, etc. ChatGPT can assist in ensuring that the flow is logical and covers all necessary components.
  • Use Whimsical to Create the Flowchart:
    • Start a New Flowchart: In Whimsical, start a new flowchart project.
    • Add Flowchart Elements: Use the tools in Whimsical to add shapes, lines, and text. Each shape can represent a step or a decision, and lines will illustrate the flow between these steps.
    • Input Your Content: Transfer the content generated and organized with ChatGPT into the flowchart. This involves typing text into the shapes and arranging them to reflect the correct sequence and relationships.
    • Customize Your Design: Utilize Whimsical’s features to adjust the layout, colors, and fonts to make the flowchart clear and visually appealing.
  • Review and Refine: After your initial draft, review the flowchart to ensure it accurately represents the process or system. ChatGPT can be used again here to help review or suggest modifications for clarity or completeness.
  • Iterate as Needed: Flowcharts often require several iterations to get right. Use both ChatGPT and Whimsical iteratively to refine the flowchart until it meets your needs.

Why flowcharts are so useful

Flowcharts are highly effective at representing data and processes for several reasons, rooted in both cognitive psychology and information theory.

  • Visual Clarity: Humans are predominantly visual creatures, and flowcharts leverage this by presenting information visually. This makes complex processes easier to understand compared to text-based descriptions. Visual representations allow for quicker comprehension and can make patterns and relationships more apparent.
  • Logical Structure: Flowcharts provide a clear, logical structure to data or processes. They break down processes into individual steps or stages, making it easier to follow and understand each component’s role and the overall flow. This step-by-step representation is particularly useful for identifying inefficiencies or bottlenecks in a process.
  • Standardized Symbols: Flowcharts use standardized symbols (like rectangles for steps, diamonds for decisions, arrows for flow direction), which provide a universal language for process representation. This standardization means that flowcharts can be understood by a wide audience, regardless of language or technical background.
  • Facilitates Communication: They are excellent tools for communication. They can convey complex processes simply and effectively, making them ideal for training, brainstorming, and explaining processes to stakeholders.
  • Decision-Making Aid: In decision-making processes, flowcharts can visually map out the potential outcomes of different decisions, making it easier to foresee the impact of each choice. This can lead to more informed and considered decisions.
  • Error Identification and Problem Solving: By laying out a process step by step, flowcharts can help in identifying where errors may occur or where a process might be inefficient. This makes them valuable tools for problem-solving and quality control.
  • Versatility: Flowcharts are versatile and can be used in various fields and for different purposes, from software development (algorithm design) to business management (workflow analysis) and education.
  • Facilites Learning and Memory: Flowcharts can enhance learning and memory retention. The visual representation of information is often easier to recall than text or verbal descriptions. This is partly due to the dual coding theory, which suggests that visual and verbal information are processed differently and independently, leading to more robust memory formation.
  • Scalability and Detail Management: Flowcharts can be designed to represent both high-level overviews and detailed processes. This scalability allows users to start with a broad view and drill down into more detailed aspects as needed, making them effective for both strategic planning and detailed process analysis.
  • Integration with Digital Tools: In the digital era, flowcharts have become even more powerful with the integration of software tools. These tools can automate parts of the flowchart creation, allow for easy updates, and enable interactive elements, such as hyperlinks to additional resources or data.

In summary, flowcharts are effective because they align well with how humans process visual information, provide a clear structure for complex data, use a standardized approach for broad understanding, aid in communication and decision-making, and are versatile and adaptable to various contexts. These attributes make them an invaluable tool in a wide range of disciplines and applications.

OpenAI’s AI model is a powerful tool for anyone interested in creating mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams quickly and with precision. By utilizing the AI diagrams plugin and following the GCA prompt sequence, you can produce visual aids that significantly boost your learning and creative endeavors. For those eager to explore the full range of ChatGPT’s features, resources like the ChatGPT Mastery course are available. By tapping into the potential of visual learning with ChatGPT, you can transform the way you organize and comprehend information, making your workflow more efficient and your ideas clearer.

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How to Get Started With Google Maps on Android

Google Maps Android

This guide is designed to show you how to get started with Google Maps on Android. Google Maps is an essential tool for anyone with a smartphone, and Android users have access to its full suite of features. Whether you’re a seasoned navigator or just getting your bearings, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to get the most out of Google Maps on your Android device.

1. Download and Install the App:

The Google Maps app comes pre-installed on most Android devices, but if not, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Google account to unlock its full potential.

2. Explore the Interface:

The Google Maps interface is user-friendly and intuitive. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key elements:

  • Search bar: Enter locations, businesses, or points of interest to find them on the map.
  • Current location button: Tap the blue circle with a white arrow to center the map on your current location.
  • Zoom controls: Pinch or spread your fingers to zoom in or out on the map.
  • Layers button: Access additional map layers like traffic, public transport, and cycling routes.
  • Navigation button: Get directions to your destination by car, bike, public transport, or walking.
  • Menu button: Access settings, your saved places, and other features.

3. Finding Your Way:

Google Maps excels at helping you get where you need to go. Here’s how to use its navigation features:

  • Enter your destination: Type in the address, business name, or point of interest you want to reach.
  • Choose your mode of transport: Select driving, walking, cycling, or public transport to get directions tailored to your chosen mode.
  • Start navigation: Tap the “Start” button to begin turn-by-turn voice guidance.
  • Real-time updates: Google Maps will keep you informed about traffic conditions, road closures, and other disruptions along your route.

4. Saving Places and Creating Lists:

Stay organized and save your favorite places for later reference. Here’s how:

  • Star locations: Tap the star icon next to a place on the map to save it to your “Saved” tab.
  • Create lists: Organize your saved places into custom lists for different purposes, like restaurants to try, weekend getaways, or commute stops.
  • Share lists: Share your saved places and lists with friends and family for easy planning and collaboration.

5. Exploring and Discovering:

Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool. It’s a gateway to exploring new places and discovering hidden gems. Here are some features to check out:

  • Explore tab: Discover trending restaurants, popular attractions, and upcoming events in your area.
  • Street View: Take a virtual tour of streets and landmarks around the world.
  • Indoor Maps: Navigate inside buildings like malls, airports, and museums.
  • Offline Maps: Download maps of specific areas for offline access, perfect for traveling without data roaming charges.

Bonus Tips:

  • Enable location sharing: Share your live location with friends and family for added safety and convenience.
  • Use incognito mode: Keep your searches and navigation history private.
  • Customize your map: Change the map style, enable traffic alerts, and adjust other settings to suit your preferences.
  • Contribute to the map: Add missing information, report errors, and share your reviews to help improve Google Maps for everyone.

With these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to becoming a Google Maps master on Android. Remember, the more you explore its features, the more you’ll discover its potential to make your life easier and more adventurous. So, get out there, navigate with confidence, and let Google Maps guide you to your next destination!

I hope this guide helps you get the most out of Google Maps on your Android device. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!

Image Credit: henry perks

Filed Under: Android News, Guides





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