What you need to know
- Google is working on a few new features and UI changes for the Maps app on Android.
- One of the upcoming features will provide users with a "first-mile" option for connections to public transit.
- Google Maps may also let users get more accurate ride fares by sending route information to third-party apps like Uber.
Earlier this month, Google Maps for Android finally gained YouTube Music integration, making it possible for users to access playback controls when in navigation mode. App sleuth Jane Manchun Wong has now discovered that Google Maps could soon gain a few more useful features.
For commuters, Google Maps is working on 'Connections to Public Transit' route options that will allow users to choose their "first-mile" transportation for the trip. As can be seen in the screenshots below, the options that will be available include car, bike, rickshaw, motorcycle, and ride services such as Uber.
Google Maps is working on route options with “Connections to Public Transit”, such as:
- Car + transit
- Bicycle + transit
- Auto rickshaw
- Ride service
- Motorcycle + transit pic.twitter.com/hLlCZJG7AvGoogle Maps is working on route options with “Connections to Public Transit”, such as:
- Car + transit
- Bicycle + transit
- Auto rickshaw
- Ride service
- Motorcycle + transit pic.twitter.com/hLlCZJG7Av— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) June 20, 2020June 20, 2020
Google Maps may also begin to show more accurate ride fares in the near future, by allowing users to send route information to third-party services such as Uber. Once users enable the 'feature,' they will be able to view accurate ride fares immediately within Google Maps. While only Uber appears to be listed currently, it is possible that more ride-sharing platforms such as Lyft will be added before the feature begins rolling out to users.
Google Maps is working on an option to “Get more accurate fares” from ride services by sharing route information to them pic.twitter.com/BGh0eCtjoIGoogle Maps is working on an option to “Get more accurate fares” from ride services by sharing route information to them pic.twitter.com/BGh0eCtjoI— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) June 20, 2020June 20, 2020
Google may also introduce a minor UI tweak for the Maps app on Android. The search bar at the top could be rounded off, with the profile picture of the user appearing on the right and the Google Maps logo on the left.
