Google Maps is finally releasing its Live View augmented reality navigation feature for Android and iOS.
Part of a larger Maps expansion—streamlined flight and hotel reservations, restaurant suggestions, more ways to share memories—the AR function steers users in real time.
“There’s nothing like exploring a city on foot—it’s a great way to take in the sights and sounds of a new place,” Rachel Inman, UX designer for Google Maps, wrote in a blog post. “But it can be hard to know exactly which direction to go.”
Giant blue-and-white arrows superimposed onto your surroundings, however, can help.
Beta Live View, now available on iOS and Android devices that support ARKit and ARCore, leverages GPS to sense your basic location. It then uses the built-in camera to generate a more accurate location, with 3D indicators that tell you where to turn.
And thanks to the augmented reality overlay, you won’t miss real-time views or get lost.
The search giant originally introduced the feature at a 2018 developers conference, before testing it with the Local Guides and Pixel community.
Google doesn’t want users to depend too heavily on AR, though: It drains your battery and darkens your screen. So it’s probably best to use the new navigation feature in short intervals.
Also new in Google Maps:
- Use the app to see all of your flight and hotel reservations in one place: Menu (three dots in top left corner) > Your Places > Reservations; selecting your trip will instantly open reservations, even when offline.
- Quickly find restaurants tailored to your tastes with Your Match; see how long the wait is and book a reservation before checking out the must-try menu items.
- Turn on Location History to tap into the updated Timeline to relive all of the places you visited; export recommendations to a list, make notes, and share with family and friends.
“After you’ve booked your trip,” Inman said, “these new tools will simplify every step of your trip once you’ve touched down—from getting around a new city to reliving every moment once you’re home.”
More on Geek.com:
- Google Maps Highlights Bike-Sharing Stations, Availability
- Google Maps Predicts How Crowded Your Train, Bus Will Be
- Google maps Highlights Restaurants’ Most Popular Dishes
