In anticipation of the holidays, Google is adding several new features to Google Maps, including the ability to search for specific products within the app itself. For example, if you need a sweater for your annual ugly sweater party, new clothes, or last-minute gifts, you can type a product into the Maps search bar to see nearby stores where you can find what you’re looking for. From the results that appear, you can choose one of the options and then search for directions. Google says that you can search for a wide range of products on Maps, such as electronics, household goods, and even food.
The company has also updated Maps so that you can report and see delays affecting your transportation lines, as well as show more details such as alternative routes and entrances to subway stations. Maps will also show notifications about weather conditions, such as uncleared or flooded roads and areas with poor visibility. Additionally, Google is adding the ability to enter your vehicle’s dimensions in the built-in Maps app to show routes that don’t have bridges or tunnels that you can’t drive through. For now, however, these routes are only available for the 2024 Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, and GMC Yukon. The company says it will expand this feature to more vehicle models in the future.
If you drive an electric car and are looking for routes with charging stops on your phone, you can now send the route you choose to your car using Google Maps built-in. Finally, if you want to avoid the crowds when you go out, you can view information about popular hours on Maps to see traffic trends at certain times.
