I stopped using Google Maps in my car a few months ago because it lacks the road hazard information reported by other drivers on Android Auto for longer trips. Waze is much better in this regard, but I may soon apologize to the Google app.
I’m slowly getting tired of Google Maps
For years, we have been pointing out that Google Maps on Android Auto often lacks basic functionalities that good navigation should have. Google is not very eager to respond to these allegations, but something is finally changing for the giant. A few years ago, information about speed limits, the ability to report incidents on the road, and even a speedometer were added to the Maps application on smartphones. But what good is it if we use Google Maps via Android Auto in all new cars, where such possibilities are hard to find.
Yes, a few months ago, information about speed limits finally appeared, but only on some roads and they are not always correct. Apart from that, the Maps application interface has not changed at all for many years. Google seems to be riding on its reputation, but there are more and more voices on the web that navigating with this application is problematic. I myself had 2-3 unpleasant situations during the last vacation, which made me start using Waze. This is also an application belonging to Google, but it is much more functional on Android Auto. I also have the impression that it maps routes a bit better and does not suggest absurd detours. It also has an extensive module for reporting incidents on the road, which Maps lacks.
Threat information will come to Android Auto
However, it seems that this may change soon. A few weeks ago, there were voices that Google was going to slightly reorganize the appearance of Maps on all platforms. One of the changes was supposed to be the introduction of a completely new module for informing about accidents/threats on all platforms. This was supposed to apply to both the smartphone application and the version used within Apple Car Play and finally Android Auto. So far, not much has come of these announcements, but the first swallow has appeared. One of the users on Reddit noticed a new icon in the Maps application in his car. A yellow triangle with a plus.
After clicking on it, a menu appears as in the image above. We don’t have a full list of available options, the image only shows the option to report an accident, slowdown, roadworks, and lane closure. However, looking at the scroll bar on the right, it is safe to assume that there are at least 4-5 more options, probably including reporting a police patrol. Icons similar to those in the image should also appear on the maps themselves to warn Google Maps users about threats. As usual with the giant, new features will probably be implemented in waves. So you have to be patient, because it looks like Google Maps will soon become much better. Who knows, maybe I’ll even apologize to them…
Source: antyweb.pl
