Google Maps Gains 'Live View' Augmented Reality Walking Directions

Augmented reality walking directions in Google Maps got a step closer today with news that a beta version of the AR feature will be rolling out to users of the app over the next couple of weeks (via TechCrunch).

Google revealed AR walking directions earlier this year, when it launched an early alpha mode for Google Pixel owners and users of Google Maps Local Guides, but now it's making the feature available for all Google Maps users with ARKit-compatible devices (iPhone 6s and later, all models of iPad Pro, and 5th and 6th generation iPads).

The AR directions include large arrows and street markers overlaid on the real world. These can be viewed by tapping a nearby location on the map, tapping the Directions button, and then tapping Walking, which should make the "Live View" option appear near the bottom of the screen.

According to Google, the Live View feature isn't meant to be used with your iPhone held up in front of you as you walk – rather, its designed to provide a quick and simple way of orienting yourself if you enter unfamiliar territory.

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

Tag: Google Maps

Top Rated Comments

Motawa

87 months ago

Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

SBlue1

87 months ago

Whats a “bike route”? 99,9999999% of the places/ towns/cities you just drive a bike either on a regular road or a sidewalk. Same as waling lol.

Seems like you haven't been out of your own state I guess. LOL. Come to Europe or South America to see a bike route. Or maybe Chicago or NY if you can't leave the country. :) Bike routes are an important feature of Google Maps if you live here.

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Xirian

87 months ago

So now we want to encourage people to stare at their screens while they are walking?

According to Google, the Live View feature isn't meant to be used with your iPhone held up in front of you as you walk - rather, its designed to provide a quick and simple way of orienting yourself if you enter unfamiliar territory.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

MisterSavage

87 months ago

That's pretty cool. I haven't been a fan of Google Maps for walking directions but I must try this.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

nitramluap

87 months ago

Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes

To be fair, the best bike routes are actually based on local knowledge, particularly in places where cycling culture isn't great. Even Google Maps fails here. I would NEVER ride the routes it recommends in my city.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

coolfactor

87 months ago

Whats a “bike route”?
99,9999999% of the places/ towns/cities you just drive a bike either on a regular road or a sidewalk. Same as waling lol.
But yes, Apple Maps just tries to reinvent the wheel, Google Maps are the way to go for me.

Bike Routes are very common in Canada, either along the side of the road (not on the sidewalk!) highlighted in green, or a separate pathway separated from the road by grass and trees.

It's very dangerous to ride a bike on the sidewalk, or ride facing traffic.

And wear your reflectors and helmet! :p
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I got lost/made the wrong turn/wrong exit so many times on apple map, if only google map can be more intergrated in iOS, like clicking on a address in iMessage

Apple Maps has improved immensely in the past year! I find it better than Google Maps most of the time. I prefer how it gives lots of warning and repeats instructions. All too often, I found Google Maps giving instructions too late or not at all. That never happens with Apple Maps.