Google Maps adds new commute tab and music streaming integration
- by Nick Cohen
- in Industry
- — Oct 2, 2018
The new Commute feature, which was spotted in testing a few weeks ago, should roll out to Android and iPhone globally this week.
Google also announced support for "mixed-mode commutes", for people who use more than one form of transport (both driving and public transit) in their commutes. Today, again google adds one more feature in its app, i.e. music integration.
Finally, Google Maps will now support Apple Music, Google Play Music and Spotify music playback right inside the app.
This new Google Maps update includes everything from music streaming integration to a new commute tab that will give you detailed information about what to expect on your drive in. On the navigation screen in Google Maps app, you will see the music controls at the bottom with previous, next and pause buttons.
The commute section will suggest alternative routes if there are problems. Android users get an additional feature over iOS ones - they will get delay and disruption notifications while en-route.
If you have to sit in traffic, you may as well do it while listening to good music. This launches a new, dedicated tab with live transit and traffic info specific to a user's commute.
The other new Maps feature is the ability to plan your commutes in the new "commute" tab. That means, for example, commuters who travel by auto, train, and on foot will see commute information relevant to each leg of their journey. If you're using Spotify account, you can browse and navigate to your favorite content.
If you take the bus or train to work, Google Maps covers 80 regions worldwide and is able to track individual buses and trains in real-time.
Switching between songs and albums can be a chore while you're in a vehicle and following Google Maps' instructions on where to take a turn. Say goodbye to toggling between apps, and rock out knowing that you can keep your eyes where they should be-on the road. And in Sydney, we've partnered with Transport New South Wales to show how full you next bus or train is - so you'll know whether or not you'll get a seat. You can download it from the Play Store.
