During the last few few months, Google has been busy updating its Google Maps apps for both Android and iOS platforms. Just recently, the company rolled out another batch of updates for the iOS version of its hugely popular navigation software. This time around, Google has incorporate four new features that should prove helpful for iOS users.
First off, version 4.4.0 of the Google Maps app for iOS now comes with a Tap The Mic feature, which helps users get directions faster and easier. Google Maps has one of the most extensive mapping database of any navigation software existing today. But when it comes to actually getting directions, Google Maps still has some room for improvement.
The Tap The Mic feature aims to change that. When users need some directions to a specific destination, they just need to tap the microphone icon on the Google Maps interface, and then ask for directions to the desired spot. The mobile app will then generate a route for the user to take.
The Tap The Mic feature can work with simple requests like directions to the nearest Starbucks for instance. But for better results, users are encouraged to be more specific with requests by stating where they are coming from along with the destination where they want to go.
Another new feature to the Google Maps app for iOS is the full-screen view. What this means is that you can now hide the toolbars and enjoy a full-screen view of the map. This may not sound much, but if you are viewing Google Maps on an older iPhone (which has a smaller display screen size), you may not mind having a full-screen view of the map.
To activate the full-screen view, just tap an empty spot on the map and the tools will be hidden. To enable the tools, just tap again on the map.
Are you fond of commuting via the train, the bus, or other modes of mass transit when you go to work or getting around town? The Google Maps has a new feature that might prove useful for you. The updated version of the app for iOS now comes with transit-line colors, which should help you identify which train is going where or which bus is going to pass by this particular street.
The cool thing about it is that you do not have to do anything to activate the transit-line colors. They automatically appear on the map whenever you get transit directions.
If you want to check out the places in the area where you can get some chow, the updated Google Maps can now filter the search results for food places in order to display Zagat-related restaurants. If you search for, say, restaurants in downtown Chicago, you can just tap the Filter option in the lower right section of the screen, tick the box that says Zagat-rated, and then tap Apply. Once you do that, your search results will only show food places rated by Zagat.
