Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing in 2024?

I am from the in-between era that may nonetheless bear in mind printing out Map Quest instructions but gained entry to turn-by-turn apps earlier than leaving school. As a longtime iPhone person, I’ve lengthy defaulted to Apple Maps. However after Apple Maps lane change warnings have are available late just a few too many instances, I have been attempting out different navigation apps. Primarily, Google Maps.

Google Maps has been round since 2005, earlier than Waze and effectively earlier than Apple Maps. Meaning Google Maps is even older than the primary iPhone. Nevertheless, Google Maps has aged effectively, evolving within the smartphone age in methods few of the packages first designed for desktop computer systems can.

Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing in 2024? Google Maps’ continuous updates, navigation past driving, native options and additional instruments enable the navigation app to take care of its usefulness because it nears its twentieth anniversary.

Google Maps continues to realize new options

AI- primarily based software program and real-time updates makes the app really feel new, not 20

Google 

The Google Maps on my iPhone is a far cry from the unique software program that was extra akin to Map Quest. Whereas the essential function of navigating from place to put has remained roughly intact, the tempo of updates makes Google Maps one of many extra feature-rich choices. Most lately, the app has gained numerous AI-based features. Google Lens inside Maps will mean you can use your digital camera as a form of tour information to what you see in entrance of you. You too can now search Maps such as you would Google itself, for instance, asking for “issues to do” as a substitute of typing within the title of a particular place.

In addition to the software program updates, nonetheless, Maps can also be nonetheless pretty good at real-time updates for locating different routes and avoiding hazards like street closures, building, and accidents. Google Maps will not be fairly as identified for its up-to-date site visitors info as Waze, which can also be owned by Google, however it nonetheless tends to warn me of slowdowns as a rule. I additionally love how the person interface in CarPlay visually marks routes with an identical ETA as once I’m driving.

Google Maps presents a clear interface in CarPlay

Makes for up-to-date, straightforward to comply with instructions, and distraction free driving

One of many causes that I’m persevering with to make use of Google Maps after attempting it as an Apple Maps different is the way in which the app seems to be in Apple CarPlay. Sure, the cellular app could be a little cluttered. However I want the way in which Google Maps seems to be in CarPlay over Apple Maps as a result of essentially the most important info is all there on the display screen. As I drive, different routes with an identical ETA might be highlighted, so I can change my drive simply by turning on one of many different highlighted choices.

Google Maps additionally retains my most used controls proper on the display screen. Chief amongst that is the mute button. As quickly as I acknowledge the place I’m, I do not need the voice interrupting my music. Google Maps’ mute secret’s proper on the nook of the display screen, the place with Apple Maps it requires a number of faucets.

Google Maps will help me navigate exterior the automobile and even in indoor areas

An important for individuals who wrestle with instructions

Navigation apps assist me faux I am not chronically directionally challenged, however that used to go away me flustered when attempting to stroll someplace or use public transportation. One of many key variations between Google Maps and Waze is the power to get strolling, biking or public transit instructions.

For the directionally-challenged like me, Google Maps’ Reside View function will actually take a digital camera view and overlay arrows, so I can nonetheless get there even when disoriented as to which method is north. Whereas Apple Maps has a Look Round function in some cities, it’s nowhere close to as strong as Google Maps’ widespread availability due to these funny-looking camera-clad automobiles.

One other key but typically hidden function of Google Maps is the power to navigate indoor areas. This is a wonderful instrument for duties like discovering your gate at a serious metropolitan airport, and even working your method by a mall.

Google Maps presents in-depth perception to native locations

Google’s search engine integration makes the app greater than only a map

One of many greatest benefits to Google Maps is, effectively, how Google-like it’s. I haven’t got to open up an internet browser to learn evaluations of the eating places close to me, or lookup their telephone quantity and even see what time of day they’re least crowded.

Google Maps additionally hyperlinks information to your Google account. So if I am deciding between two eating places, I can save the one I did not attempt to bear in mind later, even when I occur to be looking out on my laptop computer when the latter really rolls round.

I can monitor mileage and even save fuel

Whereas Google Maps, on the launch, might have been only a primary navigational instrument, in 2024, this system goes effectively past instructions. I can use location historical past to trace my mileage. I can inform Google what sort of automobile I drive in order that it finds a route with one of the best fuel mileage. And one of many extra essential options for somebody who prefers to enterprise off thegrid relatively than to massive cities: the power to obtain instructions to make use of offline later.

Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing?

Appears to be like even youthful than 20 — in one of the best ways!

Google Maps could also be approaching its twentieth birthday this February, however the app’s continuous evolution permits the instrument to stay related in 2024. Whereas Waze and Apple Maps are nonetheless stable options if you need essentially the most up-to-date street incorporates or instructions that additionally buzz your Apple Watch when it is time to flip, Google Maps is proving a stellar possibility with its newest updates, navigation exterior the automobile, built-in Google-Search-like options and additional instruments.