Google Maps for iOS was today updated to version 4.30.0, introducing a new Directions Widget that allows Google Maps users to access turn-by-turn navigation directly on the lock screen of the iPhone.
The widget can be enabled by going to the Today View of the Notification Center, scrolling down to the "Edit" button, and then enabling Google Directions. Once turned on, turn-by-turn navigation directions will be available through the widget in the Notification Center, which can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen.
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Today's update also introduces a new Google Maps iMessage app that's designed to let users send their current location to friends and family members without the need to leave the Messages app.
The new Google Maps Messages app can be enabled through the Messages App Store. When installed, it establishes the user's location and then allows that information to be shared right in Messages.
Along with the new widget and Messages app, the new version of Google Maps also includes unspecified bug fixes.
Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.
I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.
Came here to say this. But I absolutely despise Apple Maps.Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.
Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.
Any mention of Google on this forum inevitably leads to someone moaning about privacy. Before doing so, I wish people would actually read Apple's privacy policy. If they did, they'd see that Apple and Google collect and use your information, personal and non-personal, in the exact same ways; including advertising. It's all right there for anyone who wants to discern fact from fiction. And just like with Google, any desire to bypass data mining is an opt-out situation, not opt-in.I agree with you completely about opt-in, btw. I wish they all (Apple, Google, MS, etc.) were opt-in. They're not. They're pretty much all opt-out. To single out one seems disingenuous when they're all doing the same thing.