Google Maps is getting better with these new features

Google Maps

Google keeps adding new features to Maps to offer a better user experience and make commuting easier for users. Recently, the company has added a couple of new features to Maps. Essentially borrowed from the crowdsourced navigation app – Waze – the features bring real-time information and customisation options to Maps.

Apart from these, the latest update brings new vehicle icons to replace the traditional blue arrow, along with expanded reporting tools for road hazards.

Google Maps users on both iOS and Android can now customise their vehicle representation on the navigation map. Instead of the standard arrow, users can choose from eight different car icons, including a sports car, pickup truck, SUV, and sedan. Additionally, these icons come in eight color options: Glacier white, Night black, Ash gray, Poppy red, Sky blue, Sunny yellow, Aqua green, and Sunset magenta.

To change the vehicle icon, users need to swipe up on the menu at the bottom of the navigation screen, select 'Vehicle icon,' and choose their preferred option. Alternatively, tapping the default vehicle icon after setting a destination also allows for quick customization. The latest version of Google Maps must be installed to access this feature.

Google has gradually integrated Waze-like real-time reporting into Maps, allowing users to report incidents such as crashes, slowdowns, and police presence. The update expands these capabilities further, enabling users to quickly mark additional hazards, including lane closures, stalled vehicles, objects on the road, flooded areas, low visibility, and unplowed roads. These reports can be submitted within seconds, helping other drivers navigate more safely.

While both Google Maps and Waze serve navigation purposes, they differ in their core functionalities. Google Maps provides comprehensive navigation with recommendations for dining, lodging, and entertainment, catering to users planning trips beyond just driving. Waze, on the other hand, focuses on real-time, community-driven updates to optimize the driving experience.