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 a number of 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. Which means 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 further 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 fundamental characteristic 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 will let you use your digital camera as a kind of tour information to what you see in entrance of you. It’s also possible to now search Maps such as you would Google itself, for instance, asking for “issues to do” as an alternative of typing within the title of a particular place.

Moreover the software program updates, nevertheless, 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 is probably not fairly as recognized for its up-to-date visitors data as Waze, which can also be owned by Google, however it nonetheless tends to warn me of slowdowns most of the time. I additionally love how the person interface in CarPlay visually marks routes with an analogous ETA as once I’m driving.

Google Maps provides 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 best way the app appears in Apple CarPlay. Sure, the cellular app generally is a little cluttered. However I favor the best way Google Maps appears in CarPlay over Apple Maps as a result of essentially the most important data is all there on the display screen. As I drive, different routes with an analogous ETA can 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 is proper on the nook of the display screen, the place with Apple Maps it requires a number of faucets.

Google Maps may help me navigate outdoors the automotive and even in indoor areas

A vital for individuals who battle with instructions

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

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

One other key but typically hidden characteristic of Google Maps is the flexibility to navigate indoor areas. This is a superb device for duties like discovering your gate at a serious metropolitan airport, and even working your means by a mall.

Google Maps provides in-depth perception to native locations

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

One of many largest 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 device, 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 automotive I drive in order that it finds a route with one of the best fuel mileage. And one of many extra necessary options for somebody who prefers to enterprise off thegrid slightly than to large cities: the flexibility to obtain instructions to make use of offline later.

Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing?

Seems to be even youthful than 20 — in the easiest way!

Google Maps could also be approaching its twentieth birthday this February, however the app’s continuous evolution permits the device to stay related in 2024. Whereas Waze and Apple Maps are nonetheless strong options if you’d like essentially the most up-to-date street accommodates 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 outdoors the automotive, built-in Google-Search-like options and further instruments.