Google Maps

107 'Google Maps' stories May 2012 - November 2015

Google Maps is bringing offline navigation and downloadable data to iOS

Zac Hall Nov 10 2015 - 6:52 am PT

Google will soon be bringing a major new feature to its Maps app for iOS: full offline support. Google Maps has some utility already when used offline, but an upcoming update will make it much more robust when used without Internet access. For example, before you could see an area on Google Maps offline but not do much else with it. Coming soon, Google will enable features including navigation and business information lookup without requiring an active Internet connection.
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Google Maps on iOS will now give spoken traffic alerts as you drive

Chance Miller Nov 4 2015 - 5:16 pm PT

2 Comments

Google today has rolled out an update its Maps application on iOS, bringing with it a pair of new features. The update bumps the app to version 4.12.0 and includes support for adding missing businesses to the app’s database and spoken traffic alerts.

The latter of the two is the far more interesting addition of this update. Spoken traffic alerts mean that Google Maps will now alert you about upcoming traffic congestion and traffic incidents as you use the Navigation feature of the app. It does so via voice so you aren’t distracted while you drive. Traffic descriptions provide the same information, but in both text and verbal forms before you start to move.

Google Maps version 4.12.0 is available via the App Store now for free. The full changelog can be seen below:

What’s New in Version 4.12.0

Easily add new and missing businesses from the sidebar

 Spoken traffic alerts in Navigation tell you about congestion and incidents on your route and traffic descriptions give you summary of traffic before you drive

Bug fixes

Google Maps comes to the Apple Watch in latest iOS app update

Mike Beasley Sep 29 2015 - 1:18 pm PT

1 Comment

Google has released an updated version of its mapping application for iOS that includes several new features, including an Apple Watch app. Along with the new watch app comes the ability to compare ETAs for different modes of transportation, such as biking and walking.

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Google Maps for iOS updated with redesigned directions, more sharing options, and more

Mike Beasley Jul 7 2015 - 6:52 pm PT

7 Comments

Google has updated its mapping app for iOS with a redesigned transit view that includes real-time information about your arrival time that previously debuted on Android. The new app also provides additional choices for alternate routes.

The update also gives you new options for sharing your maps with other users, specifically noting that Facebook and its separate Messenger app are both supported now. A gird view of photos has been added for locations, too.

You can download the free Google Maps app on the App Store for free.

What’s New in Version 4.8.0

• Redesigned and improved Transit directions improve the experience in cities, giving you more route choice and real-time arrival information where available
• Additional app options for sharing a place (including Facebook and Facebook Messenger)
• Introduced an Image Gallery for a quick visual understanding of a place through a grid view
• Bug fixes

Mystery solved: Apple vans gathering next-gen Maps data, grabbing Street View storefronts + 3D images

Mark Gurman May 29 2015 - 9:35 am PT

37 Comments

Three years after Apple launched its own iOS Maps app to replace Google as its iPhone and iPad map provider, the Cupertino company is readying its first major enhancements to the service. While Apple was known to be gearing up for the launch of a mass transit directions service this fall in a handful of cities, sources have revealed that it is also developing its first entirely in-house mapping database to reduce its reliance on TomTom, using a fleet of mysterious vans to take still photos of business storefronts to replace Yelp photos, and building a 3D Street View feature. Apple has been using the sensor-equipped vans in cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York since earlier this year, and, below, we detail how the vehicles are advancing Apple’s plans for the future of Maps…

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Google Places API for iOS now available to all, Maps to add offline search/navigation

Jordan Kahn May 28 2015 - 11:31 am PT

4 Comments

As part of its Google I/O developer conference today, Google is offering some updates on its Google Places API for iOS as well as future updates arriving for its Maps app.
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iOS 9 Transit Maps to launch in a handful of cities in North America, Europe & China

Mark Gurman May 26 2015 - 12:55 pm PT

20 Comments

While Apple plans to debut its own mass transit directions service for Maps in iOS 9 as soon as June, the rollout will not be as ambitious as some users may have hoped. In its first iteration, Apple’s Transit service will only support approximately a half-dozen cities across the United States, Canada, and Europe, in addition to China, according to sources…

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Apple readies Transit subway, train + bus guides for iOS 9 Maps, deploys robots for indoor mapping

Mark Gurman May 21 2015 - 7:38 am PT

38 Comments

Having originally planned to add a new transit directions feature to Maps last year, only to pull the feature before WWDC 2014, Apple now hopes to launch its Transit service with iOS 9, according to sources. Apple currently plans to debut bus, subway, and train route navigation as the central upgrade to the Maps app in iOS 9 at WWDC, using a user interface similar to the one intended for last fall’s launch, as depicted in the screenshots above…

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Google Maps iOS app adds full-screen maps, improved voice search & transit directions

Jordan Kahn Mar 19 2015 - 2:52 pm PT

2 Comments

Google Maps for iPhone and iPad has received an update to version 4.4.0 bringing a new full-screen map view, improved transit directions and voice search, and the ability to filter search results for Zagat-reviewed restaurants.

Google notes that the new full-screen mode can be activated by “tapping an empty spot on the map,” while improved voice search brings the ability to “type, or tap the mic and say, “directions to” a place for faster results.”

The update also includes new transit line colors on maps when viewing transit directions and a Zagat filter for restaurants in search results.

The updated Google Maps app for iOS, version 4.4.0, is available on the App Store now.

What’s New in Version 4.4.0

• View a full-screen map by tapping an empty spot on the map
• See transit line colors on the map when you get transit directions
• Filter search results for Zagat-rated restaurants (where available)
• Type, or tap the mic and say, “directions to” a place for faster results
• Bug fixes

Google Maps for iOS adds POI quick facts, upcoming events for select venues, more

Zac Hall Feb 27 2015 - 8:28 am PT

4 Comments

: POI quick facts

: Upcoming events

Google is packing even more useful information into the latest version of its Maps app for iOS. Google Maps 4.3.0 for iPhone and iPad adds several contextual data points to locations like nearby businesses for address searches, quick facts for notable locations, and even event information for select venues.
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Apple Maps Connect gains new languages as it expands to Canada, France & Germany

Ben Lovejoy Feb 20 2015 - 3:59 am PT

1 Comment

The Apple Maps Connect service, which allows small businesses to add their listings to the Apple Maps database, has been expanded to Canada, France and Germany. The service has also gained two new language options, French and German, to correspond with the regional expansion.

Apple first launched Maps Connect in the U.S. last October, enabling businesses to edit or add listings, as well as set up indoor mapping within selected areas. Entries made by businesses typically show up in Apple Maps around a week later. The international rollout began last month with the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Singapore.

Apple switched from Google Maps to its own mapping service on iCloud.com in December. Apple-leased camera cars have been spotted recently, with some suggesting that they are being used to add Street View style images to Apple Maps, while others believe they are part of the Apple Car project.

Google Maps for iOS gains restaurant filters, weather info, and more in new update

Mike Beasley Jan 14 2015 - 5:15 pm PT

4 Comments

Google today released an update for its iOS mapping application. The latest build, version 4.2.0, allows users to filter their restaurant searches by the type of food offered, get global weather reports, and add transit directions to your phone’s calendar. You can also add pins to the origin and destination during navigation.

There are, of course, other miscellaneous “bug fixes” that have been applied. The free update is available from the iOS App Store.

What’s New in Version 4.2.0
• Filter searches for restaurants by cuisine type
• See current weather information for cities around the world
• Drop a pin for your starting and destination points in directions and navigation
• Add transit directions to your calendar
• Bug fixes

Google’s Photo Sphere Camera app adds library privacy tabs, improved image capture for iPhone 6/6 Plus, more

Zac Hall Dec 16 2014 - 9:54 am PT

0 Comments

Google released its Photo Sphere Camera app for iPhone users a few months back with the ability to capture 360º images right from your device and share them over social media or even Google Maps.

Photo Sphere Camera can also be used without ever publishing images anywhere or sharing photo spheres with anyone, so today Google added tabs to the app’s library separating public and private photos.
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Google iOS app updated w/ Material Design, Street View integration, more

Zac Hall Dec 11 2014 - 9:21 am PT

15 Comments

Google is rolling out a completely redesigned version of its iPhone and iPad app with its Material Design look and feel right down to the app icon.

The latest version of the search app now presents a bottom navigation bar (which can slide out of view) that presents a persistent Google button for searching for new information. The navigation bar also offers a button for quickly accessing recent search pages, something that feels similar to multitasking between apps on Android.

Also notable as part of the redesign is the optimization searching for photos has received. In the latest version of Google’s iOS app, image results now take on a full-screen, mosaic look for presenting larger results. The update also packs in deep Google Maps integration for location searches including support for Google Street View right in the app for iPhone users. You can read the full change log below:
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Did Apple drop Google Maps for good? Apple Maps now rolling out on iCloud.com

Jordan Kahn Dec 9 2014 - 9:47 am PT

21 Comments

Apple appears to have finally dropped Google Maps from iCloud.com, replacing it with its own in-house maps almost two years after removing Google Maps from iOS and most of its other products. Apple started slowly rolling out the feature to its iCloud beta site for select users earlier this year before pulling it, but it now seems to have replaced Google for all users of iCloud.com’s Find My iPhone feature (pictured above).
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Apple job listing hints at new Maps-related web experiences

Jordan Kahn Nov 12 2014 - 11:26 am PT

2 Comments

A new job listing posted by Apple shows that the company is working to bring its in-house Maps app, currently only available as native apps for iOS and Mac OS X, to the web.
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Google Maps for iOS updated with a fresh new Material Design layout, integrated OpenTable and Uber

Mark Hearn Nov 5 2014 - 9:49 am PT

26 Comments

Update: The new Google Maps app is now available on the App Store.

Google announced an update for its Google Maps for iOS app today that adds a fresh new Material Design layout focusing on bright colors and real world surfaces and shadows. The software’s refreshed interface is set to roll out over the next few days, with new features like dinner reservations from OpenTable (US only) and enhanced information cards with photos and reviews of popular attractions near your location.

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Google releases new Photo Sphere Camera app for iPhone

Zac Hall Aug 19 2014 - 9:02 am PT

5 Comments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9D3PxwGvC8&feature=youtu.be]

Google has dropped a new app for iPhone this morning called Photo Sphere Camera. The app offers a special camera that allows you to capture 360º images – everything above, below, and around you – for viewing and sharing. The new app even allows you to publish 360º images you capture to Google Maps for others to see as well. Google notes that the app requires iPhone 4S or higher for capturing images. Photo Sphere Camera is available for free on the App Store joining a long list of other Google apps including its popular game augmented reality game Ingress.
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UK carrier reports increased Apple Maps usage as ComScore numbers show downward trend

Mark Gurman Aug 11 2014 - 10:44 am PT

18 Comments

Apple’s Maps app, introduced as part of iOS 6 in 2012, has had its fair share of technical issues and was the source of a PR crisis and the ejection of multiple long-time Apple executives. But two years later, if data from UK carrier EE is any indication, Apple Maps usage appears to be on an upward trend. Here’s the latest usage data for Apple Maps from the network:

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Google Maps for iOS adds mapped search results and Gmail appointments, more

Zac Hall Jul 11 2014 - 9:42 am PT

2 Comments

Google today updated its Maps application for iPhone and iPad to version 3.2 introducing new features and improvements.

The latest version of Google Maps now supports viewing search results with descriptions directly on the map view. Gmail users will notice appointments and reservations with addresses will now appear the map view as well. The update supports changing between the map view of results and the list view of results and features an explore view for discovering new locations to try out.

Google Maps 3.2 for iPhone and iPad is out today on the App Store.

Apple Maps senior engineering manager leaves role for job at Uber

Zac Hall Jul 8 2014 - 8:31 am PT

3 Comments

Chris Blumenberg, a senior engineering manager at Apple who manages the Maps Apps and Frameworks team, has left the Cupertino, California company for a new role at Uber, The Information reports. Blumenberg’s time spent at Apple dates back over 14 years according to his LinkedIn profile, and his past experience includes building the original Maps app for iPhone as well as porting the Safari web browser to iOS.

Uber, of course, is a relatively new transportation company founded in 2009 which offers pickups in various cities which can be arranged by a mobile application. Interestingly, Google has in part backed Uber through its Ventures arm investing in the startup with $250 million last fall and adding Uber integration into its the Google Maps app earlier this year. Uber is also a partner for Google’s self-driving car program.

As you may recall, Apple first introduced its in-house Maps data in 2012, which was met with enough user complaints to prompt a publicly posted apology from Apple CEO Tim Cook, as it began the process of moving away from relying on Google’s mapping data.

Apple acquires mapping-based social recommendation service Spotsetter

Chance Miller Jun 6 2014 - 12:14 pm PT

3 Comments

Just a little more than a week after acquiring Beats, Apple has now reportedly acquired Spotsetter. According to a report out of TechCrunch, Apple quietly snatched up the company mainly for the technology and two founders behind the service. Spotsetter was founded in 2012 by ex-Google Maps engineer Stephen Tse and Jonny Lee. Both Lee and Tse’s LinkedIn profiles now say they’re employed by Apple, as well.

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Google Maps for iOS updated with lane guidance, improved offline maps, Uber integration

Zac Hall May 6 2014 - 9:17 am PT

23 Comments

Google released a major feature update to Google Maps for iOS today bringing a handful of useful features for navigation and travel with your iPhone and iPad including integration with the private transportation service Uber.

First up is a feature found on many dedicated GPS devices: lane guidance. The feature will present which lane is necessary with current directions to help you avoid missing important turns. Notably, Apple’s Maps software does not currently offer this feature. Google says lane guidance is currently only available for users in the US and Canada…
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Will CarPlay impact your next car purchase? [Poll]

Zac Hall Mar 4 2014 - 1:24 pm PT

51 Comments

After Mark uncovered it last April and Apple announced it last June, this week we’ve seen a steady stream of details about Apple’s iOS and car integration following Apple’s marketing push. There’s plenty more coverage on the way as we continue to explore what CarPlay means for Apple and its users, but now we want to hear from you. What effect will CarPlay have on your next car purchase?

Cars certainly aren’t purchases you make impulsively (or often), and CarPlay seems to address that by relying on the iPhone (something we may purchase impulsively and often) for much of the functionality. Among other things, will CarPlay be on the list of things you look for in your next car purchase?
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