Google Maps unleashes major innovations – with a cool feature

Google Maps has now largely replaced car navigation systems. Photo: imago/Bihlmayerfotografie

Digital

Life without Google Maps has become almost unimaginable, especially in major cities. Quickly catch up with your best friend at her new favorite pizzeria, plan a trip to the dentist or simply check when the next train will arrive: Google usually knows the streets around us better than we do.

But sometimes it also means that we suddenly find ourselves a little lost in reality because we ultimately don't see the forest—or the building—for the trees.

For this particular phenomenon, it seems that Google wants to introduce a feature that aims to improve real-world routing and can also increase blind trust in the mapping system.

It looks like Google is working on a new 3D feature

Previously, using Google Maps and Apple's own system, it was possible to view the buildings in detail using photorealistic images before leaving. In the future, this should also be possible to some extent while navigating the site.

In a post on Reddit, a user from Hong Kong recently documented a changed view of navigation in Google Maps. Instead of the usual 2D map, which moves your point via GPS, a 3D map with small buildings appears on his smartphone.

In the future, Google Maps navigation could change visually. Image: reddit screenshot/Seemebreakthis

The map continues to focus on the surrounding streets and interesting places such as gas stations, supermarkets or restaurants. In addition, the new display now also shows impressive sights and buildings in a 3D representation.

Changes to Google Maps will initially only come on a limited scale

According to his statements, the user did not change any settings on his smartphone, and experts suspect gradual updates in the latest versions of maps. Especially when it comes to visual changes, the Google group often only tests new functionality with a small number of users and gets initial feedback before making a comprehensive reboot.

Overall, Google has been trying to simplify the navigation experience in the Maps app for some time. It was not until March 2023 when the group officially launched the so-called comprehensive offer in Germany.

Here, famous landmarks around the world can be viewed from a 3D bird's eye view. In addition, so-called immersive routes were activated in the summer for selected cities, including Berlin, allowing the entire navigation route to be planned in advance in a view generated by artificial intelligence.

The Google group has not yet announced an official release date for the new 3D navigation system. However, the feature is intended for all systems including Android and Apple embedded car systems. This means that users no longer have to go anywhere without navigating through maps.

The release of a new iPhone is an absolute event that happens every year at Apple Stores around the world. For Apple fans, the first few weeks with a new device from the popular brand is like a long drive in a smelly new car.