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Google Maps for iOS Gains Quick-Access Traffic, Transit, and Local Info Tabs

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Google has updated its iOS Maps app with three new quick-access options that Android users have had access to for over a year now. The new tabs sit across the bottom of the home screen and are called Explore, Driving, and Transit.

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Swiping up on the shortcuts reveals further details. For example, in Explore users can find a description of the local area, dining choices, and options to search for gas stations, ATMs, convenience stores, drug stores, and other amenities.

The driving tab provides a traffic summary for the area, including information on possible delays that might add time onto a commute. This tab will also include current ETAs for the user's home and work addresses if they are saved in the app's settings. Finally, the transit tab offers estimated bus and train schedules at stations in the vicinity.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Aluminum213 Avatar
105 months ago
Imagine a world in which Apple allowed us to use Google Maps as a default map service on iOS. Instead of the harsh reality of being stuck with trash like Siri and Apple Maps as being the ones that are baked into the iOS system.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ILikeAllOS Avatar
105 months ago
Imagine a world in which Apple allowed us to use Google Maps as a default map service on iOS. Instead of the harsh reality of being stuck with trash like Siri and Apple Maps as being the ones that are baked into the iOS system.
Imagine a world in which you have to wait a year for a company to update that 3rd party maps app and then you'll realize why Apple has their own Maps app baked into the iOS system.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
105 months ago
Imagine a world in which you have to wait a year for a company to update that 3rd party maps app and then you'll realize why Apple has their own Maps app baked into the iOS system.
Imagine a world where one realized that default app choice has nothing to do with whether or not Apple has their own Maps app baked into iOS.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
105 months ago
Imagine a world in which you have to wait a year for a company to update that 3rd party maps app and then you'll realize why Apple has their own Maps app baked into the iOS system.
That has nothing to do with the comment you responded too though. I guess you had to twist the argument because there is no good answer to the actual ask which is letting users choose the default, be it Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze or whatever.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
105 months ago
Apple is being stretched too thin. They have too many products and services now, and some of them are suffering... like Maps and Siri.

In 20 years, at this rate, theyll be like Samsung in the sense they'll probably have fridges and appliances in addition to consumer electronics.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdelvecchio Avatar
105 months ago
Imagine a world in which Apple allowed us to use Google Maps as a default map service on iOS. Instead of the harsh reality of being stuck with trash like Siri and Apple Maps as being the ones that are baked into the iOS system.
give me a break. neither siri nor Maps are trash. ive been using them exclusively for years and somehow have managed to thrive
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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