Top Google Maps Features Coming to India in 2024: Enhance Fuel Savings, Access Walking Assistance, and More
Google Maps has billions of users across India and you can question Google’s strategy to keep its app at the forefront, but it is a navigation app. But the platform tends to leave its users in the country, giving most of the shiny features to other countries like the UK and Europe. Google wants to change that image now and bring more features you may have come across in the company’s other markets.
Maps has received a new color scheme that has received mixed reviews from people, but as they say, change is inevitable, and in the case of Maps, it’s coming after more than a decade. Google Maps has unveiled some interesting features that not only have a western influence but a fusion of local flavors to give them exciting views. Here are the top Maps features coming to Android users in India in 2024.
The new Google Maps features will come to India in 2024
More India first features of course
Most people like to direct people to them using landmarks, which could be a temple, an ATM, or even a small grocery store. Google understands this habit and wants to provide it in Maps as a feature called address descriptors. “Using a combination of machine learning signals, Google Maps automatically finds up to five of the most relevant landmarks and area names around your pinned address and displays a landmark reference when you share your location,” Google explained in this post.
As you can imagine, Maps uses artificial intelligence to determine five possible landmark areas that can be shared with your friend when they come to visit and need your location. The feature will be rolled out across India in January.
It’s surprising that it took Google so long to bring this option here, but it’s finally here, and we think it makes more sense than other features Google has tested.
The power of the lens in maps
Lens is a powerful visual tool that has been available in Chrome, search, and more. Now Indian users have its feature in Maps. “Point your camera at the street and you’ll instantly see nearby restaurants and cafes, along with useful information like opening times, ratings, reviews and photos,” the blog post adds. Lens means that Google optimizes Street View features in the country and directs people to different shops, cafes with details is a clear upgrade to the existing options for millions. Google will bring Lens to Maps in 15 cities by January 2024, starting with Android users.
Save fuel with this trick in Maps
You might have heard that Maps helps people save money while traveling and Google is bringing this feature to users in India. The company uses artificial intelligence to monitor traffic in real-time and also see what kind of roads you’ll be driving on, including overpasses, which take more out of your car or bike, helping you save fuel.
“For example, hybrid and electric vehicles perform better in stop-and-go traffic, while diesel engines consume less fuel at higher speeds. This saves fuel and encourages sustainable route choices without significantly affecting travel time,” Google emphasizes its purpose. The good thing about this feature in India is that Maps is compatible with cars and bikes, which is crucial for one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets. Again, expect the feature to be released in January.
Virtual live walk with maps
Another Street View integration is possible in real-time walking, which essentially means you can get navigation steps from Maps while walking down the street. You’ll see arrows on the phone screen telling you when to take a turn and even vibrate to get your attention. Google says it’s also using AI and AR technology to bring this live walking feature, which is coming to 3,000 cities on Android phones in the coming months.
