Google Maps introduces walking navigation on Street View and plans to add address descriptor feature
According to a senior executive, Google Maps plans to introduce address descriptors in India in early 2022, making it the first global launch of its kind from the country. These descriptors will provide information about the nearest landmark and the directions from that point to the location shared by a user on the map.
“We are introducing a new innovation in India, Address Descriptors on Google Maps, to help our Users better understand addresses, in a way they are used to in real life,” Google Maps VP and GM Miriam Daniel said.
He said the feature will be rolled out early next year across India.
Daniel announced the launch of Street View walking navigation, which displays driving directions using virtual reality on real images of buildings or paths that users come across while walking.
“Live View walking navigation is coming to over 3,000 cities and towns in India starting on Android,” he said.
The feature is already available in several countries abroad.
The company is also rolling out Lens on Maps so that people can get information about stores and their businesses that are on their way while walking.
“Lens in Maps will launch in 15 cities across India in January 2024, starting on Android,” Daniel said.
Google is also rolling out a route feature based on fuel efficiency to India.
“By January next year, users across India will be able to use this feature for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers, providing more sustainable options. India and Indonesia will be the first countries where we will introduce this feature. two-wheelers,” Daniel said.
