Google Maps Set To Roll Out More Details That Help To Navigate Better

Google is set to bring a handful of updates and improvements to Google Maps. On the list of updates coming later this month to Google Maps is the feature that will reveal to users toll prices before navigating to where you want to go.

Google made this announcement via a blog post that says, “We look at factors like the cost of using a toll pass or other payment methods, what the day of the week it is, along with how much the toll is expected to cost at the specific time you’ll be crossing it.” Google Maps also explains that the option of a toll-free route will also be shown if it is available. The company says it’s adding toll prices on Google Maps to make it easier for users to make the choice between taking toll roads or regular roads. The feature is set to roll out on Android and iOS later this month and would showcase “nearly 2,000” toll roads in the US, India, Indonesia, and Japan. The toll prices will be provided by local tolling authorities. The feature will roll out for more countries as time goes on.

To calculate the estimated toll price of a trip, Google will look at things like the cost of using a toll pass or other payment methods, what the day of the week is and how much the toll is expected to cost at the specific time you’ll be crossing it. Google added that users will have the option to opt-out of seeing routes with toll roads altogether through the app’s settings. 

Also on the list of improvements to this Google service is the addition of more detail to its navigation maps. Google says users will begin to see “traffic lights and stop signs along the route, along with enhanced details like building outlines and areas of interest.” For a number of “select cities,” there will be additional details like “the shape and width of a road, including medians and islands.” The company says all the improvements are set for roll out on the Map in “coming weeks” for Android, Android Auto, iOS, and Apple’s CarPlay software.

Updates are coming to Google Maps for Apple devices as well. A new widget will be added for the iOS app, this widget would let users access trips pinned to the Go tab, this widget is said to be available to users in the coming weeks. The Google Maps Apple Watch app is also not left out of devices marked to receive improvements, with the device, users will be able to get directions to any of their Google Maps shortcuts for places like Home and Work. This can happen by mere tapping the shortcut on your watch. For example the “Take me home” shortcut to your watch and tap it to begin navigation to your home.  This feature is also market for rollout in the next “few weeks.”

Lastly, Google Maps is rolling out a feature that integrates directly into iOS Spotlight, Siri and the Shortcuts app. When a user says “Hey Siri, get directions in Google Maps” or “Hey Siri, search in Google Maps” to access Google Maps. This feature is planned to roll out in the coming months. Google plans to add enhanced Siri search functionality later this summer.