Google Maps is the most popular navigation application on smartphones and for this reason it must live up to user requests. It has recently been updated and added a very interesting functionality that makes it easier to search for specific products and that transforms the platform into a kind of online store, what do you think of how that sounds?
The Google maps app is periodically updated with new features to bring the program to life. One of the latest additions was the real-time 3D view of the streets, allowing the user to have more precise control of their location. Now, the update that just arrived to Google Maps not only adds new travel options, but also shopping and that’s how it works.
Google Maps is now a store
If you use Google Maps daily as an advanced search tool and not just a simple mapping app, you’re in luck. The new version of the app also adds the possibility of search all types of articlesfrom household products, clothing, electronic devices, as well as nearby stores that sell the items in question.
This means that you no longer have to go to a specific store app or Chrome to search for things you want to buy, but you can go directly to Google Maps to get a list of products along with the locations where they are for sale. This along with the ‘How to get there’ option to know the fastest route to your destination. The interface and how the products are distributed on the screen is very reminiscent of the Google Shopping format, although with the difference that relevant data such as stock or the current distance to the store appears.
New travel options
The store functions are not the only addition to Google Maps with its latest update. Another novelty is the new travel plans to avoid road traffic and possible delays in public transport. To do this, the application now tells you the best and worst time to visit monuments, shops, airports, hair salons… all while showing the time and days with the greatest influx. In addition, it includes a function to check and report weather events such as flooded roads or snow blocking the road. Likewise, users and transportation agencies can indicate delays in buses or trains so that the user has all the necessary information before embarking on their trip.
Owners of electric cars with Google as vehicle software have the option of send the route to the car that they have previously designed in Google Maps from the phone. On the other hand, the dimensions of the load carried by the car on a trailer can be added to adapt the routes to the size and thus avoid tunnels or compromised roads. This is the last major Google Maps update that is already reaching smartphones, so remember to go to the Play Store to check that it is already available and install it immediately.