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This month marks the 15th anniversary of Google Maps and Google is celebrating in style! Google Maps has updated its app for iPhone and Android with new features and a new icon to bring the app into the next 15 years.
If you use Google Maps, be sure to update the app to make getting from Point A to Point B easier, faster, more comfortable, and better. The app also has a new look, with better organization to help you find out more about the world around you.
New Google Maps Layout
The redesigned Google Maps app now has a new menu bar at the bottom to help you find information more easily. The new menu bar options include:
- Explore
- Commute
- Saved
- Contribute
- Updates
Explore
Tapping Explore in Google Maps shows you places of interest near you. Discover restaurants, shops, historical sites, museums, and other places you may want to visit.
Tapping on a place or event suggested in the Explore section will give you more information, such as hours, directions, popular times, and reviews.
Swipe up on the Explore page to see events near you that you may want to attend.
Commute
If you add your work address to your Google account, you can get suggestions for the best way to get to your job each day, based on traffic conditions, construction projects and other factors. Instead of having to enter your work address every day, you can just tap Commute to see the best way to go.
View the predicted traffic, based on when you leave, on the Commute page. You can also get suggestions about alternate routes to take, perhaps saving you time and frustration.
Saved
The Saved section of Google Maps shows you places you’ve saved over time. Access them easily by tapping Saved to see your favorite places, places you want to visit, starred places, and products you want.
Check out => How Your Google Maps Timeline Can Show You Where You’ve Been
Contribute
Google Maps now makes it easier for you to leave reviews of places you’ve visited. Tap Contribute to write reviews, see reviews you’ve written, add a photo, and get suggestions of places you may want to review.
Updates
The Updates section of Google Maps shows you places of interest that have recently been in the news or have received reviews. Check out Updates for suggestions of new places to try near you.
Learn more at => Google Maps Adds a Handy Google Translate Feature to Help You Navigate Easier
New Google Maps Public Transportation Features
Google Maps also added new features to provide more information to those who use public transport. Information gathered from past riders can help make travel by public transportation easier and more pleasant, now and in the future.
See => Google Maps Adds Enhanced Guidance for People With Impaired Vision (and Everyone Else)
Temperature
With the new Google Maps app you’ll be able to check whether past riders of public transportation have considered the ride to be cooler or warmer than usual.
Accessiblity
More accessibility information is now provided by Google maps for those who may require additional support when using public transportation.
Get access to information in Google Maps such as staff assistance; accessible entrances, exits and seating; accessible stop buttons; and highly visible LED lighting.
Don’t miss => Google Maps Now Shows Wheelchair Accessible Routes in Major Cities
Women’s Section
Get access to information about women-only transportation, in areas of the world that offer that option. Also find out whether local passengers abide by that designation.
Security Onboard
The Google Maps update can tell you whether security is present on board public transportation, including security guards, cameras, and/or a security helpline.
Japan: Carriages Available
Google Maps now can provide information about the number of carriages available on Japanese trains so commuters can try to optimize the comfort of their rides.
Google Maps Survey
Beginning in March, Google Maps will be offering a survey to public transportation riders to help get more information about their trip to share with other users of the app.
New Google Maps Icon
When you look for the Google Maps app on your phone, you’ll immediately see the new icon, showing that the app has been updated.
Nostalgic for the old icon? This video from Google shows the history of the Google Map icon over the past 15 years:
Your Thoughts
Do you use Google Maps? Which of these new features is the most useful for you? Are there any features you’d like to see Google Maps add to make your travel easier?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Can’t remember the last time the google maps didn’t helped
I didn’t knew about a lot of features that have been mentioned in this that’s awesome
And in every update google took it to new levels
But what I was shocked by was that it has been 15 years since google has released google maps
Thank you for this amazing content
Hi Jayant, Yes, it’s hard to remember a time when we weren’t able to use Google Maps to help us get from Point A to Point B. How great that Google continues to improve Maps with new features making our lives easier.
Thanks so much for this Carolyn. Funny, I was using maps today and didn’t notice the new features you mentioned. As always, I appreciate your insight and the knowledge you share.
Hi Nanette, I’m so glad this article was helpful to you. That’s exactly why I write The Wonder of Tech, to help readers learn about useful tech they might not have otherwise discovered.
Hey Carolyn, you have done a great job by sharing this amazing content with us. Google Maps helps me every time when I was traveling. Keep writing and keep sharing with us.
Hi Manoj, I’m so glad you found this information useful. Yes, Google Map fans can celebrate this monumental anniversary with these new features. Enjoy the journey!