Google Maps announced a series of features on Tuesday that will be rolled out to users in select countries, including India. The service allows users to check estimated toll prices before a journey begins, and to identify available toll-free routes. Google Maps for iOS has also been updated with a pinned widget to the home screen, as well as direct navigation from an Apple Watch. The company also announced that an upcoming update will bring Siri and Shortcuts integration with Google Maps to iOS later this year.
In an announcement on Tuesday, Google announced that users in India, Indonesia, Japan and the US will be able to access toll prices in the Google Maps app later this month. Users can access estimated toll prices before starting their journey, and the company says the toll pricing feature relies on information from local toll authorities. Google says support for the toll pricing feature in other countries is coming “soon.”
Google says new toll pricing feature on Google Maps will be released in India
Photo credit: Google
The toll pricing feature also allows users to calculate the cost of tolls on their route considering various factors, including payment methods such as a toll pass, the day of the week, the time of day, and so on. The company says Google Maps will provide details on more than 2,000 toll roads.
For users who want to avoid toll roads altogether, Google Maps will continue to provide the option to search for toll-free routes altogether. According to the company, users can simply tap the three dots at the top of the app to access and select route options Avoid toll roads to access alternative routes, if available.
In addition to the new toll pricing feature, the company also announced a new update for iOS users that will bring a new pinned travel widget that shows them the trips they pinned to their Go tab in the latest version of the Google Maps app. . According to Google, the new pinned widget will show users their arrival time, when their next public transport journey departs, and suggest directions and routes for users who prefer to drive.
The Google Maps app on iOS will also receive support for Siri integration in the coming months
Photo credit: Google
The update will also bring improved Apple Watch support, including the ability to automatically navigate the smartwatch – this will be available to users in a few weeks. Users can also add a “Take me home” shortcut to their screen, which immediately launches navigation on the Apple Watch, the company said.
According to the company, Google Maps will also get access to iOS Spotlight, Siri and Shortcuts integration later this year. Users can set up shortcuts on iOS so that they can use voice commands such as “Hey Siri, get directions” or “Hey Siri, search Google Maps”. These features will be available in the coming months, according to Google.
