HIGHLIGHTS
- Google Maps tolls are coming to India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States. iPhone and Apple Watch users will also benefit from better functionality.
- Later this year, Google Maps will also integrate Siri and Shortcuts.
Google Maps revealed a new set of capabilities on Tuesday that would be available to users in certain countries, including India. Users will be able to verify expected toll charges before beginning a trip, as well as locate available toll-free routes. Google Maps for iOS has also received an upgrade, which includes a pinned widget on the Home Screen and direct navigation from an Apple Watch. In addition, the firm has stated that an upcoming update would bring Siri and Shortcuts integration with Google Maps to iOS, which will be available later this year.
Google said on Tuesday that customers in India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States would be able to browse toll costs on the Google Maps app later this month. Users will be able to see predicted toll rates before beginning their journey, and the business claims that the toll prices feature will rely on data from local tolling authorities. Google said that support for the toll pricing functionality will be available in additional countries "soon."
The toll costs function will also allow users to calculate the cost of tolls on their route while taking into account various criteria such as payment options such as a toll pass, day of the week, time of day, and so on. According to the corporation, Google Maps will provide information on over 2,000 toll roads.
Google Maps will continue to offer the option to search for toll-free routes for customers who want to avoid tolls entirely. According to the business, users may find alternate routes by tapping on the three dots at the top of the app and selecting Avoid tolls, when available.
Along with the new toll rates feature, the firm also announced a new iOS update that would offer a new pinned trip widget showcasing journeys placed in their Go Tab on the current version of the Google Maps app. According to Google, the new pinned widget will display users their arrival time, the departure time of their next public transportation journey, and instructions and routes for users who prefer to drive.
The upgrade will also include better Apple Watch features, such as the ability to navigate automatically on the wristwatch, which will be available to customers in a few weeks. According to the business, users will also be able to set a "Take me home" shortcut to their screen, which would quickly start navigation on the Apple Watch. According to the firm, Google Maps will also be able to integrate with iOS Spotlight, Siri, and Shortcuts later this year. Shortcuts will be available on iOS, allowing users to utilise voice commands like as "Hey Siri, get directions" or "Hey Siri, search in Google Maps." According to Google, these functionalities will be accessible in the following months.
