Google Maps gets two useful new features in the latest update
Google doesn’t tend to wait long when it comes to Google Maps updates, and users are discovering two new tweaks quietly introduced to the Android app: electric vehicle navigation and identifying certain roads.
First up is electric vehicle charging, as noted by SmartDroid (through 9to5Google): In the Android app, you can see nearby charging stations by tapping the relevant filter button below the main search bar, at the top of the screen.
However, you must have your car set up as an electric car to see it. You can do this via the Your vehicle option in the Google Maps settings. Gasoline is the standard vehicle type. In that case, you will see a quick link to gas stations instead.
A similar update was applied to Android Auto last year, so it now seems to have made its way to the Android app as well. Last month, Google announced a number of new AI-powered features to make it easier to get to an EV charging station.
Where we’re going, we need roads
The second Google Maps adjustment, again via SmartDroid And 9to5Google, shows you the entire length of a road highlighted in blue when you search for it. Previously you would just get a pin in the middle of the road to help you find your way there.
This will give you a better idea of ββthe size of a road you’re looking for β in terms of where it starts and ends, and how much space it takes up on the map. You can of course still navigate to a specific point on the road if necessary.
So two fairly minor adjustments, but they should make Google Maps easier and more convenient to use. There’s no word yet on whether iOS will get the same updates, but we’re assuming it will.
It’s going to be a big week for Google, as the Google I/O 2024 software developer event kicks off on Tuesday, May 14. We may hear more about updates coming to Google Maps, and you can watch live, wherever you are. are.