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 Maps Live View AR feature
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 Avatar
Motawa
65 months ago
Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SBlue1 Avatar
SBlue1
65 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)
MisterSavage Avatar
MisterSavage
65 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)
Xirian Avatar
Xirian
65 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)
nitramluap Avatar
nitramluap
65 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)
justperry Avatar
justperry
65 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.
Erm...lots of bike routes in Europe for instance, not the same as roads or sidewalk, not even allowed to cycle on sidewalks in most if not all countries in Europe.

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
Old news, tiresome, Apple Maps is mostly on par with GM, if not better.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iPhone SE 4 Vertical Camera Feature

iPhone SE 4 Production Will Reportedly Begin Ramping Up in October

Tuesday July 23, 2024 2:00 pm PDT by
Following nearly two years of rumors about a fourth-generation iPhone SE, The Information today reported that Apple suppliers are finally planning to begin ramping up mass production of the device in October of this year. If accurate, that timeframe would mean that the next iPhone SE would not be announced alongside the iPhone 16 series in September, as expected. Instead, the report...
Read Full Article • 68 comments
iPhone 17 Plus Feature

iPhone 17 Lineup Specs Detail Display Upgrade and New High-End Model

Monday July 22, 2024 4:33 am PDT by
Key details about the overall specifications of the iPhone 17 lineup have been shared by the leaker known as "Ice Universe," clarifying several important aspects of next year's devices. Reports in recent months have converged in agreement that Apple will discontinue the "Plus" iPhone model in 2025 while introducing an all-new iPhone 17 "Slim" model as an even more high-end option sitting...
Read Full Article • 160 comments
Generic iPhone 17 Feature With Full Width Dynamic Island

Kuo: Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 to Feature A19 Chip, Single Rear Camera, Semi-Titanium Frame, and More

Wednesday July 24, 2024 9:06 am PDT by
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today shared alleged specifications for a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model rumored to launch next year. Kuo expects the device to be equipped with a 6.6-inch display with a current-size Dynamic Island, a standard A19 chip rather than an A19 Pro chip, a single rear camera, and an Apple-designed 5G chip. He also expects the device to have a...
Read Full Article • 162 comments
iPhone 16 Pro Sizes Feature

iPhone 16 Series Is Less Than Two Months Away: Everything We Know

Thursday July 25, 2024 5:43 am PDT by
Apple typically releases its new iPhone series around mid-September, which means we are about two months out from the launch of the iPhone 16. Like the iPhone 15 series, this year's lineup is expected to stick with four models – iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max – although there are plenty of design differences and new features to take into account. To bring ...
Read Full Article • 130 comments
icloud private relay outage

iCloud Private Relay Experiencing Outage

Thursday July 25, 2024 3:18 pm PDT by
Apple’s iCloud Private Relay service is down for some users, according to Apple’s System Status page. Apple says that the iCloud Private Relay service may be slow or unavailable. The outage started at 2:34 p.m. Eastern Time, but it does not appear to be affecting all iCloud users. Some impacted users are unable to browse the web without turning iCloud Private Relay off, while others are...
Read Full Article • 80 comments
iPhone 17 Plus Feature Purple

iPhone 17 Rumored to Feature Mechanical Aperture

Tuesday July 23, 2024 9:32 am PDT by
Apple is planning to release at least one iPhone 17 model next year with mechanical aperture, according to a report published today by The Information. The mechanical system would allow users to adjust the size of the iPhone 17's aperture, which refers to the opening of the camera lens through which light enters. All existing iPhone camera lenses have fixed apertures, but some Android...
Read Full Article • 60 comments