Google Maps redesign has begun to roll out

The Material Design makeover for Google Maps isn’t just coming to a few Android users. Google has finally begun rolling out the new look to all Android devices. The tech company first introduced this redesign at Google I/O 2018 back in May. You’ll see a new user interface with new fonts, buttons, and colorful icons in contrast with the mostly white background. The biggest new thing though is the new Explore section which shows you information on what’s available near you. And this shows everything from food, services, shopping, and other areas of interest in your area like gyms, parks, nightlife, etc.

If the update hasn’t made its way to you yet, just be a bit patient. Google usually rolls out updates in stages. Also it’s coming to Android users first and we can’t say yet when iOS Google Maps users will be getting the update but the company does usually port the features it has on Android to iOS so don’t be surprised if the iOS version of Google Maps gets the update, too.

Source: BGR

You can no longer book Uber rides through Google Maps

One of those neat little tricks hidden within Google Maps is being able to book your Uber ride right from the navigation app. Unfortunately, that no longer exists. Eighteen months after the feature was introduced, Google posted a new support page that states plainly that “You can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps.” The feature was previously accessible when you searched for a location and a tab for ride-sharing existed where you could book the ride from there. This tab still exists but now it’ll only show you an estimate of your ride and then it’ll send you out to the Uber app if you want to book a ride.

Even with 17 different services supported within the ride-sharing tab, Uber used to be the only app that will let you pay for a ride and complete the trip right from within Google Maps. It’s not known why Google and Uber decided to end this program.

Source: Ars Technica

Google Maps can change the navigation arrow to car icons on iOS

Tired of seeing the boring old navigation arrow on Google Maps? Well, you can change this up on iOS to either “a stylish sedan, a timeless pickup truck, or a speedy SUV” car icon. Google just released this as a new iOS-exclusive feature. You can try this out by just tapping on the navigation arrow when you’re in navigation mode. The new icons should show up there when you do this. There is no explanation why this is an iOS exclusive for now but Google has done this in the past and perhaps if it’s a popular feature it might make its way to Android, too.

Source: Android Authority

Google Maps will finally get Google Assistant

You may or may not have noticed but Google Maps’ navigation mode has been using Google’s old voice search functionality all this time. Finally, that’s going to change in the near future. Google announced at Google I/O 2018 that Google Assistant is finally coming to the app. It’ll be rolling out to Android devices this summer and will be coming to the iOS Maps app later in the year. Unlike it’s usual format of having Google Assistant take up most of the screen, on Maps it’ll show up as a small bar at the bottom of the navigation screen.

Source: Android Police