• The country of Georgia has finally arrived on Google Street View
• Google has highlighted several major sights worth seeing
• The imagery is available in Google Maps and Google Earth

Street View is still expanding, almost 20 years after Google first launched it, and the East European country of Georgia is the latest to be added to the platform — with some spectacular sites and landmarks included, besides all the roads and highways.

"Georgia is a country defined by the scale of its history and the dramatic diversity of its landscapes," says Google, who worked with the Georgian government to get the country on the Street View map.

Some 13,000 kilometers (8,078 miles) of roads have been added, and can be found in Google Maps and Google Earth. You can check out the Jvari Monastery (part of an UNESCO World Heritage Site), the medieval stone towers of Ushguli, and the Bridge of Peace that crosses the Kura River in the capital Tbilisi.

There's also Telavi in the Kakheti region, the center of a wine-making tradition in Georgia that goes back 8,000 years. Grapes from these vineyards are still fermented in traditional clay jars called qvevri, which are buried underground.

Another GeoGuessr level

Another sight worth seeing: the Jvari Pass, high up in the mountains, part of the Greater Caucasus range. Spend a few minutes clicking around on the new Street View images and you'll find plenty of fantastic views.

Of course, you don't have to check out the biggest tourist spots or the most well-known roads. In Google Maps on the web, just drag the little yellow pegman (lower right) into the map somewhere — as you hover with your mouse cursor, Street View roads will turn blue, and that now includes Georgia.

As well as checking out potential spots to travel to, the new imagery is also a boon for GeoGuessr players trying to name the country from a Street View picture. One poster calls it a "beautiful country" that's a "great addition".

While many of us will be well used to Street View imagery in our part of the world, it isn't everywhere yet. Countries including Cyprus and Paraguay were only added last year, while it's missing in China and many African and Middle Eastern nations.

• Apple Maps is getting a huge Flyover visual upgrade
• It will use Vision Intelligence and aerial imagery to create detailed 3D models of city landscapes
• It looks like Apple has also adopted Gaussian Splatting to help render its 3D models

Apple’s upcoming iOS 27 upgrade isn't just about fancy new AI upgrades like the new Siri voice assistant — but Apple Maps is also getting quite a noticeable revamp.

During its WWDC 2026 keynote, Apple took a moment to shine a light on the new visual upgrade for the Flyover tool in Apple Maps, which allows you to view over 350 global cities in 3D from a bird's eye perspective. In iOS 27, Flyover will display buildings and natural landscapes alike using a combination of aerial imagery and Apple’s own Vision Intelligence models to produce 3D views that are even more detailed.

Though Apple didn’t go into further detail, the images used in the WWDC presentation suggest that the company has also adopted Gaussian Splatting to create its 3D landscapes, a graphics technique that uses video footage as the foundation to build a 3D framework. The tool could really give Apple a huge leg-up over Google Maps, which still uses photogrammetry to generate its own 3D models.

It’s not a theory that’s completely out of the question; there are users out there who have also pointed this out after seeing the newly rendered imagery in Apple’s keynote (see below).

Flyover’s enhanced imagery is designed to bring out every visual aspect of Apple Map’s 3D aerial views, including the nitty gritty parts that go unnoticed. Speaking at WWDC, Vice President of OS Program Management, Stacey Ford, shared the following: “From beautiful architectural details to the shapes of individual trees, to the way light reflects off the glass of skyscrapers, you’ll see cities around the world like never before”.

The update is quite a big technical shift for Apple Maps, and will join other upgrades from macOS Golden Gate, to custom AirPods EQ adjustments in iOS 27. The only downside is that you’ll have to wait a bit to test out Flyover’s new look, as iOS 27 is expected to roll out publicly in September — but you can register as a developer and download the first iOS 27 beta now.

Although there’s still a few months left to wait, users have spotted signs that Apple is tinkering with Flyover ahead of the wider iOS 27 rollout.

When the announcement was shared to the r/AppleMaps community on Reddit, users flocked to the comments to share more theories. One user believes Apple is conducting a “weird rollout”, who says that switching to iOS 27 reverts previously-supported cities to low-quality satellite images, while newly-supported cities receive the visual upgrade.

From the user’s experience, they recall seeing a handful of US locations including San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix revert to 2D, as well as international cities such as Sydney, Paris, and Stockholm. On the other hand, Vegas, London, Berlin, Barcelona, and others have been upgraded.

At the moment it’s still very much a guessing game, and Apple probably won’t provide further information until we get closer to the wider iOS 27 launch later this year. That said, Apple’s move from photogrammetry to Gaussian Splatting marks a big shift in digital map rendering, and now we’re just waiting for Google Maps to follow suit.

There’s a strong case to be made for Google Maps being the single best smartphone app around. Yes, even on iPhone. Since it launched on mobile in 2008, Google has spent the past two decades improving its mapping service, with new features, visual overhauls, and, of course, the introduction of AI.

I’ve been using Google Maps on smartphones since the app first launched, and over those 18 years, I’ve witnessed these changes first-hand. It’s been an invaluable travel companion as I’ve ventured around the world, but in 2026, Google Maps is so much more than a simple mapping app.

Maps can remember where you parked, show you the weather pretty much anywhere, double as a travel guide, and even take you back in time. Satellite view, navigation, and transit information are well known by now; I don't need to go over the basics. But here's a list of ways I use Google Maps to enhance my life.

Do your pre-trip research in Maps

Google Maps is my first port of call when it comes to planning a work trip or vacation. Rather than head to a search engine or the likes of Gemini or ChatGPT, I find the mapping service a wholly encompassing experience.

Zooming in on the area where I want to stay or explore, I use the handy shortcut buttons just below the search bar to display hotels or restaurants nearby.

Google’s comprehensive business listings, complete with user reviews, provide a detailed breakdown of what’s available, and filter settings allow me to narrow down the options to those that interest me — all while seeing where they are on the map.

You can even view hotel prices and availability, and book table reservations at restaurants from Google Maps.

During a recent visit to Miami, for instance, Maps helped me plan a four-stop burger tour around Wynwood, with all the joints within a five-minute walk of our hotel. Seeing them all on the map in relation to our hotel, and with easy access to reviews, made the planning process easy.

Don’t forget where you want to go (or where you’ve been)

To make sure your pre-trip research isn’t forgotten, use the Lists feature to flag the places you’ve found. Tap a location of interest, and in the card that pops up, you’ll see a little bookmark icon. Tap that, and you’ll be able to add the location to one or more Lists.

Google offers some pre-made lists, including 'Want to go' and 'Starred places', but you can also create your own. ‘Want to go’ is self-explanatory, and is what I use when planning a trip. It pops a green flag marker on all the locations you add to the list, making them easily viewable when you zoom in on the area in Maps.

And once I’ve visited places, I move the ones that really stood out to me to a List I created called “Visited”. This gives you a personal history of your travels plotted directly on the map, and allows me to return to the places I really enjoyed if I were to visit the area again in the future.

And these Lists can go further, too: you can add a note to a location you add to a List.

While planning a trip to New York City in 2027, I’ve added Rudy’s Bar & Grill to my 'Want to go' list. However, I know once the trip rolls around next year, I will have forgotten why I flagged this spot — so by adding a note saying “With every beer, you get a free hot dog,” I know I’ll be primed once I arrive in Manhattan.

Download before you go

The ability to download offline maps is no secret, but if you’re not aware of this feature, it’s not overtly obvious when using Google Maps. It is, however, massively useful when traveling abroad and you don’t fancy paying extortionate roaming charges.

I always download the map for the areas I’ll be visiting, as I can’t always guarantee mobile signal, or whether my mobile plan will cover roaming.

I’ve been able to save whole cities (including New York, Bangkok, and London) for offline use, and even multiple Caribbean islands in a single cache. Not everywhere is available to download offline, though. South Korea isn’t, for example.

While not all functionality is possible with offline maps, you can use driving navigation and location search with the downloads without the need for an internet connection.

To get to this feature, tap your profile picture in Google Maps, then tap ‘Offline maps’.

Personalize your driving navigation

Speaking of Google Maps’ in-car navigation — which has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion when I’ve been driving at home and abroad — you can further customize your experience.

Diving into the settings to set the fuel your vehicle uses (gas, diesel, hybrid, electric), will allow Google Maps to better plan driving routes for you based on fuel efficiency and — in the case of EVs — charging stops.

In the US, you can even tell Maps the exact make and model of your vehicle for even more accurate trip calculations, such as estimated battery usage for EVs.

You can take the vehicle customization a step further too, with the ability to change the blue navigation arrow to a car icon. Google Maps offers eight different car models (plus five bikes) and eight different colors for a fun, personalized experience.

Let others know how you’re getting on

A feature we love in our family is trip sharing. If I’m on the long drive home and using Google Maps for navigation, I can share my route with my partner, who can view my real-time progress, including my phone’s battery percentage, departure time, and estimated time of arrival.

It’s easy to do — just start navigation in Maps, swipe the navigation card up, tap 'Share trip progress', and then select the contact you want to share with.

Use less power

I came across this feature accidentally during a recent long road trip, where I was slightly panicking that my phone battery was getting low and the USB port in my car had decided to stop charging.

Navigation in Google Maps can be power hungry, and on long journeys, your phone will likely need a top-up. However, as I fumbled with my phone, I knocked the power key, which locked the handset. To my surprise, my Google Pixel 10 Pro continued to show navigation on the lock screen — albeit in black and white and with limited details compared to the full-fat experience.

But it was a game-changer. Battery consumption was reduced, and I was able to make it home without my phone running flat. At the time of writing, lock screen navigation is only available on the Google Pixel 10 series of handsets, but here’s hoping Google rolls it out more widely in the future.

Never lose your car again

Vast parking lots can be challenging for the old memory. Great swathes of asphalt stretching far into the distance, each row of vehicles looking nearly identical to the last. I've found myself scratching my head at numerous locations when trying to remember where in a massive theme park or sports complex lot I left my car.

Thankfully, Google Maps has come to my rescue on more than one occasion, with the ability to automatically drop a pin when it detects you’ve reached your destination and parked up.

The small, circular ‘P’ icon it leaves on the map might look unassuming, but it can save you a lot of time and stress when returning to your vehicle.

Look out for a prompt at the end of your navigated journey asking if you want maps to remember where you parked, or go to Settings > Notifications > Getting around > Parking Location.

Is the sun shining?

If you’re thinking about heading to the beach for the day and are checking out possible shorelines in Maps, you can also view the weather and air quality for a location without leaving the app.

Zoom in on an area, and a weather icon will appear in the corner of the card at the bottom of the screen. Tap on this, and you’ll see the 24-hour forecast and air quality for that spot.

Time travel is real (in Google Maps at least)

I’m a sucker for a nostalgia trip, and combine that with a geeky obsession for maps (I have a geography degree after all), and Google Maps can end up stealing hours of my day as I take a step back in time with two features I just love.

First up is Timeline, which has been around for a while. If you allow it, Google Maps can record your movements and save them in a calendar view. This is perfect if you’re trying to remember that really cool bar you stumbled into on a whim six months ago while on vacation in Rome, Italy, but can’t for the life of you remember what it was called or where in the city it was.

A quick hop into Timeline, find the date in the calendar view, and you’ll get an itinerary breakdown of your movements that day so you can retrace your steps.

As someone who enjoys digging into data and recounting previous excursions, I love this feature — but this level of tracking won’t be for everyone. You can turn Timeline tracking off by going to Settings > Location and Privacy > Timeline.

The second time travel feature is a newer addition and is part of Street View. Enable this first-person view of a road, and you’ll see there’s an option to 'See more dates'.

From here, you’ll be offered up the snapshots taken by Google’s Street View vehicles over the years — with some locations going back two decades. It’s fascinating to look at how areas have changed over the years.

What are your top Google Maps tips?

How many of my tips and features did you already know about? I'd love to hear how you use Google Maps — let me know your favorite tricks in the comments below.

Google Maps has spent years perfecting directions. Now it is trying to understand intentions.

With the rollout of its new Ask Maps feature, Google is nudging one of its most widely used apps into a different role. It no longer just helps you find places. It tries to interpret what kind of place you actually want. Instead of typing in something like “restaurant” or “parking,” you can now ask questions that sound like something you would say out loud, the kind of slightly vague, slightly emotional requests that used to stump a search bar.

I began testing it with a question that felt mildly inconvenient in real life but almost impossible for a traditional map. “My phone is about to die and I don’t want to buy anything. Where can I charge it nearby?”

The answer that came back felt like good advice. “Try a public library or transit hub,” it suggested, then dropped pins for nearby options. One listing included a short summary pulled from reviews that mentioned plenty of outlets and open seating.

That tone carries through most of the experience. Ask Maps does not simply return locations. It tries to narrate them.

Encouraged by that first result, I leaned further into ambiguity. “I need somewhere quiet to sit for an hour that is not a coffee shop.” The AI offered libraries again, along with a bookstore and a park. One entry noted a “calm environment with comfortable seating,” while another described a “relaxed atmosphere in the evenings.” It was helpful, though slightly more generic. The system seemed confident about categories, though perhaps not nuance.

That pattern turned into the rhythm of testing. When the request lined up neatly with real-world data, the answers felt sharp. When the request drifted into something more subjective, the responses became more literal.

There were still moments where it felt like something had clicked.

I tried a question that could have come straight from a text thread. “Find me a place to meet friends halfway that feels cozy and not too loud.” The result was a short list of restaurants positioned between two neighborhoods, each with a small note about atmosphere. One was described as having “warm lighting and moderate noise levels,” another as “popular for small groups and relaxed dining.” The locations made sense geographically, but what stood out was how the descriptions matched the tone of the question.

That is where Ask Maps begins to feel like more than a novelty. It is not just matching keywords. It is translating intent into suggestions.

Under the hood, the system is pulling from a massive dataset that includes hundreds of millions of places and an even larger pool of user reviews. The AI stitches that information together into short summaries. You get a condensed version that highlights what matters.

That compression is one of the feature’s strongest qualities. It saves time in a way that feels immediate.

Still, the limits are easy to find if you push a little. I asked for “a hidden gem that is easy to get to tonight.” The response leaned heavily on highly rated places that were anything but secret. The AI had clearly equated “hidden gem” with “highly reviewed,” which is not the same thing.

Scenic walks

Another attempt aimed for something more abstract. “Somewhere I can walk around and feel like I am in a different place.” The results included a scenic waterfront, a park, and a busy shopping district. One description highlighted “secret and slightly surreal atmosphere.”

Even in those moments, the underlying shift is hard to ignore. A map app is now attempting to answer questions about mood, atmosphere, and personal preference. That alone would have sounded unrealistic not long ago.

The feature becomes more convincing when it leans into structured scenarios. I tried planning a day out with a prompt that felt closer to a real use case. “I want a scenic drive with somewhere good to stop for lunch.” The response included a suggested route, estimated travel time, and a few stops along the way. Each stop came with a short explanation, such as “known for views” or “casual dining with local favorites.” It was not a full itinerary, but it felt like the beginning of one.

That is where Ask Maps starts to hint at its long-term potential. It is not just about answering questions. It is about helping you move from idea to plan without leaving the app.

Personalized Travel

There is also a subtle layer of personalization running through all of this. Google Maps already knows what you have searched for, where you have been, and what you have saved. Ask Maps builds on that context, which is why results can feel tailored even when the question is vague. It is doing more than reading your words. It is factoring in your history.

For most users, that will feel helpful. It reduces the effort required to find something that fits. At the same time, it makes the experience a little less predictable. The same question asked by two different people could lead to different answers, shaped by their past behavior.

That tradeoff is becoming familiar across AI tools. You gain convenience and speed, but you rely more on the system’s interpretation. Most of the time, that interpretation is close enough.

Ask and receive

Ask Maps works more often than it doesn’t. It handles practical questions with ease, navigates vague requests better than expected, and stumbles mainly when language drifts into something highly subjective.

More importantly, it changes how you think about using Maps in the first place. Instead of translating your needs into keywords, you can describe them directly. The app meets you halfway.

That shift may seem small, but it reflects a larger change in how digital tools are evolving. Interfaces are becoming less about commands and more about conversation. The burden of precision is moving away from the user and onto the system.

Google Maps, of all places, is becoming part of that trend.

It is still a map. It still gets you where you need to go. But it is also starting to understand why you might want to go there, and that turns a familiar tool into something that feels quietly new.

• Google Maps just got two big upgrades that roll out today in the US
• 'Ask Maps' is a conversational assistant that answers very specific questions
• Google is also giving drivers the app's "biggest update in over a decade"

The Google Maps vs Waze debate continues to rumble on, but Maps has just been given two huge upgrades that could help extend its lead as the world's best all-round navigation app.

The first, called 'Ask Maps', is the Gemini-powered, conversational experience for travelers that's felt inevitable for a few years. Google is also calling its other new feature, called 'Immersive Navigation', its "biggest navigation upgrade in over a decade".

For pedestrians and travelers, the most exciting new feature is 'Ask Maps'. This new tab sits very prominently below the app's search box and is like a Maps-specific version of Gemini that can answer very detailed travel questions.

Some example questions Google provided in a demo included "My phone is dying — where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?" and “Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?” In other words, this is more than just a rehash of existing Google Maps tabs and information — it could potentially prove very useful if it works as well as it did in the demos.

Google says that 'Ask Maps' can also create full travel itineraries based on its information from over 300 millions places and 500 million contributors. For example, you could say "I’m headed to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Coral Dunes — any recommended stops along the way?"

A detail that could prove controversial for some is that your 'Ask Maps' results are personalized. They'll be based on places you've searched for or also saved in Google Maps.

But Google was keen to ward off any privacy concerns, with the Miriam Daniel, VP & GM for Google Maps, stating in a briefing that "it's not linking to any of the other apps or any of your other data". 'Ask Maps' is rolling out now in the US and India on Android and iOS, with desktop coming soon — Google wouldn't comment on a global rollout.

A 'complete transformation' of Maps navigation

If you're a driver who regularly uses Google Maps to get around cities, then the new 'Immersive Navigation' mode might be more up your street.

Like a cross between 'Immersive View' and traditional Google Maps navigation, the visual side of the update brings a new 3D view that adds transparent buildings and overpasses to give you more context, alongside crosswalks, traffic lights and more. Google says this view was pre-trained using Gemini and real-world info from Street View and aerial photos.

'Immersive navigation' looks particularly helpful for city driving, but there are also functional changes. Google says 'smart zooms' will help you plan ahead for tricky junctions, while voice navigation will apparently be more natural.

Google Maps will also give you more information about the trade-offs of alternative routes, and you'll also get the option to preview your destination with Street View imagery. That's another cross-Google collaboration that feels like it could have happened years ago.

The bad news for anyone who lives outside the US is that 'Immersive Navigation' is only rolling out today in the States. It also won't come to everyone initially, with Google promising that it "will expand over the coming months to eligible iOS and Android devices', CarPlay, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.

Analysis: Impressive upgrades, but not for everyone

Both of these Google Maps upgrades look very useful on paper — and rivals like Apple Maps may struggle to compete with its combination of new AI smarts and the wealth of information available in the likes of 'Ask Maps'.

However, there are still concerns that could see some sticking to alternative apps. For starters, we don't yet know how well 'Ask Maps' works in the real world. But some will also raise trust and privacy questions.

When asked about whether the results in 'Ask Maps' could one day include ads or paid placements, Google didn't rule that out. "I can't really speculate on where we're going to go long-term, though for now we are really focused on just providing the best possible experience in 'Ask Maps', so monetization and payment does not impact where things are appearing within that experience," said Andrew Duchi (Product Director, Google Maps).

The personalization aspect of 'Ask Maps' could also put off some users. Google said that it doesn't use information from other apps like Gmail to refine its results. "It's mostly focused on searches you might have done in the past in Maps or in search that are specific to places that you might be interested in. It focuses on things you have saved in Maps or as a list," said Miriam Daniel (VP & GM for Google Maps).

That will be a fair trade-off for many, but others could still prefer the more traditional approach of Apple Maps — and lots of drivers do still prefer the Google-owned Waze over Google Maps. Talking of which, Google added that its new route-finding features are using a combination of Maps and Waze community data.

"Behind the scenes, much like Gemini is powering many of our capabilities, Waze and Google Maps have a shared driver community to bring real-time info to the map. So the two are working together in terms of the data we're serving", added Rosa Wu (Product Director, Google Maps).

Whichever side of the privacy fence you're on, we'll be testing the two big Google Maps upgrades soon to give your our first impressions.

I used to use Google Maps in a fairly unthinking way: put in my destination, tweak my starting location if needed, then look up the directions. Job done – or so I thought.

But then I learned that there’s a far more effective way to use the popular mapping app, and it has helped me avoid bad traffic, explore my hometown in ways I hadn’t thought of before, and generally have a better, less stressful time navigating around any given place. Best of all, it takes just a tap or two to set up and use.

That feature is the ‘map details’ pane, and it contains a range of filters and views that improve the level of detail when you’re flicking around Google Maps. Now, I never use the app on my phone without enabling this feature. Here’s how you can put it to good use on your own device.

Improving your experience

Let’s start with a simple question: what does the map details option actually do? Well, quite a lot actually. It comprises several layers and overlays that convey extra information on top of the regular map view. These overlays work with the default, satellite and terrain map types, so you should be able to feel their benefits no matter which view you use.

My favorite map details overlay displays live traffic information on your screen. Enable it and Google Maps will highlight major roads in one of several colors, each denoting a level of traffic – green is clear and deep red is heavily congested, for example. This is extremely helpful when you’re planning a route and want to see which option will help you best avoid traffic-related setbacks. After all, no one likes tailbacks.

There are other handy map details views that come with Google Maps. If your preference is for public transport, for example, there’s an overlay that highlights train stations and bike hire locations. In cities where underground services operate, metro lines are also clearly shown, each one color-coded to make them easier to follow.

If you’re looking for cycling routes, Google Maps has an overlay for that too. Activate it and you’ll swiftly see the best places to take your bike out for a spin.

Not all map details views are designed for routing – some, like the Street View or 3D filters, show you where you can get an enhanced visual experience when using the app, whether that’s through seeing street-level details or 3D renderings of buildings and landmarks.

And then there are the filters that are geared towards your health and wellbeing. Google Maps includes overlays for both air quality and wildfires, both of which can help you stay safe and avoid potentially dangerous areas.

All in all, there’s a wide range of views that help take Google Maps beyond the standard routing options. Whether you walk, drive, cycle or hitch a ride on public transport, you should find some useful options that improve your experience.

How to use map details in Google Maps

Getting started with map details in Google Maps is simple. First, open the app, then tap the layers button in the top-right corner. Under the Map details heading, tap one of the options. This should activate the overlay on your map.

You can do this whether or not a route is currently active in the app. Map details views also work with all three map types, including default, satellite and terrain, as previously mentioned. Note that you can only have one map details filter active at a time, though.

Considering that it’s hidden behind the layers button – which itself is small and can be easily missed – it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that many Google Maps users aren’t even aware of the map details feature. It’s not exactly something that the app makes a big fuss over, and Google Maps is a competent enough app that you can get by without it.

But once you do know it’s there, it’s likely a feature that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. I’ve gotten so much good use out of it, and it’s definitely brought an outsized impact to me considering how simple it seems.

Whether you want to check the traffic in advance, need to know the best cycle paths in your area, or are concerned about wildfires and air pollution, Google Maps’ map details feature is a great way to stay informed. Get to know it and it could change the way you travel for the better.

Apple's App Store has an overwhelming number of apps across various categories and of varying qualities. But for me, some stand out above all others as the best of the best.

So below, I’ve detailed five such apps – these are things that I use more or less daily, and I couldn't go without either these exact apps or something similar.

This isn’t a complete list of my favorites and you may have alternatives you prefer, but you can’t really go wrong with any of these – they’re among the best of their respective categories, and extremely useful.

1. AccuWeather

A good weather app is vital if you ever leave the house, and AccuWeather is a very good weather app.

Its headline feature is delivering hyperlocal forecasts, so you’ll have a clearer idea of what the weather will be in your exact location, rather than just in the general area. It delivers these with impressive accuracy, particularly for rain – predicting when it will start and stop raining down to the minute.

But AccuWeather has all the standard weather app features too, including longer term forecasts looking ahead up to 90 days, and all sorts of metrics like temperature, along with how warm it actually feels, plus wind speeds, humidity, UV index, air quality, and more.

2. 1Password

A password manager is near-essential in 2026, as it makes for a secure and convenient way to create, store, and manage your various passwords – and helps ensure you’re using good cybersecurity practices, like not reusing passwords.

Of course, iPhones now have a built-in password manager, but I’d still recommend using an alternative instead – and I especially rate 1Password.

Like most Apple things, Apple’s password manager works best on Apple operating systems and browsers. So if you have any Windows, Android, or Linux machines in the mix – or prefer a browser other than Safari – then while you can still potentially access Apple Passwords, you’ll likely have a smoother experience with an independent password manager.

Beyond that, third-party options can be more feature-packed, and 1Password is certainly packed full of features.

These include automatic password generation with parameters you can set (such as length and whether it’s memorable), autofill across numerous platforms, passkey support, a secure notes section, easy and secure sharing tools, and more. You’ll find some of its features in Apple’s Passwords app, but not all of them.

3. Evernote

Personally I find having a good note-taking app is essential for organizing my life and remembering everything I might need to, and while I’ve dabbled with others I always find myself coming back to Evernote.

This app syncs across devices and platforms, so you’re not limited to Apple hardware, and you can use it to create notes, tasks, to-do lists, and to sketch, attach files, record audio, and sort things into notebooks.

You can also easily search for specific notes or content within notes, and there are AI tools, including audio or handwriting to text transcription. So there’s a lot here, though it’s worth noting that if you want to use it on more than one device or create more than 50 notes, you’ll have to pay for a subscription.

Still, for me this is well worth it – in fact I use Evernote so much that I’ve set the Action button on my iPhone to launch it.

4. Google Maps

You probably don’t need Google Maps – after all, Apple Maps is a lot better these days than it was at launch, but Google’s alternative remains my preference, and it’s a service I rely on any time I’m traveling somewhere unfamiliar.

It’s probably the most popular mapping app on the planet, and has been for a long time and with good reason, as it’s generally accurate and reliable, and has all the tools, information, and features you’re likely to need.

This includes a Street View mode to see how places actually look, navigation tools for driving, cycling, walking, and getting public transport, details and reviews for millions of businesses, offline maps, the ability to save places and make custom lists, and handy things like fuel-efficient route options and automatic rerouting based on live traffic information.

And those are just some of the headline features – there’s much, much more here, all wrapped up in a clean, easy to parse interface, and with no hidden costs.

5. JustWatch

While the apps above – or similar alternatives – should be important for just about anyone, this is perhaps a bit more niche, but for me it’s an essential app, and one I turn to daily.

JustWatch lets you search for a specific movie or show, and will then tell you which – if any – platforms it’s available on in your country. It also has a feed of new releases, telling you what’s new each day to any platforms you follow.

Plus, if you add something to your watchlist, you’ll get an alert when it’s added to a streaming service you have access to, and if you’re a bargain hunter, you can see when shows and movies that you’d have to rent or buy have dropped in price.

So if you’re as hungry for TV shows and movies as I am, then JustWatch is an essential app, but even if you’re not, it can be a fast, convenient way to search for specific content when the mood strikes you.

On two separate occasions in 2025, I wrote about app features from Google and Apple that feel like “Spotify Wrapped for travel” – those being the Google Maps Timeline and Apple's Visited Places features. Now, though, I’ve discovered a mobile app that provides a more bespoke, fun, and fluid way to journal your journeys.

Polarsteps is an entirely free app for iOS and Android that acts as a log for your trips and travels, with a social media element allowing you to follow other travellers and share your stories with friends.

As you might expect from a purpose-built app, Polarsteps is much more polished and intentional than the travel summary features built into Google Maps and Apple Maps. I was able to log in via Google and start adding trips right away with the intuitive step-based log system. It makes money by selling custom-printed books based on your travels, so there’s no hidden charges for just using the app – a pretty rare sight in today’s mobile landscape.

Each step of each journey can be detailed with a cover image, notes, and start/end times, or you can keep it moving and just add in locations. Current trips can also be tracked automatically in real-time by the app running in the background. Each trip can be saved as a draft or published for either the world or your chosen followers to see.

There’s (ironically) no “explore” page to speak of, but you can build a feed of updates from people you choose to follow, but the app doesn’t hit you with a flood of information you’ve got no reason to care about. It feels like the basis for something genuinely social.

When it comes to tracker apps like this, I often feel like I can’t quite find the right moment to start logging things – but Polarsteps settles this by making it easy to add past trips. For example, it was super simple to add in my trip to Munich for the launch of the Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro in September.

As for future trips, the globe on the home page is dotted with starred cities and regions that have specially curated guides written by the Polarsteps editorial team – these are stylish, personal, and concise articles that give you ideas for your next visit. Tapping on a guide also highlights selected restaurants, attractions, and even Airbnb rentals on the map.

And at the end of the year, Polarsteps releases its annual Unpacked report, which serves as a (say it with me) Spotify Wrapped-like recap of your yearly voyages. The report reveals how far you travelled, your furthest point from home, and the most unique place you visited, amidst other personalized info.

As a newcomer to Polarsteps, I haven’t got my own Unpacked to look through. But I’ll be making a new year’s resolution of using Polarsteps so that I can get my own report in 2026.

I’ve been curious about using my phone to track and relive my travels since I first used Hero’s Path mode in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In the game, Hero’s Path lets you follow your own footsteps on the world map – which brings to mind the experiences you encountered along the way.

And while Google Maps and Apple Maps each have similar tools built-in, I think it's nicer to have a dedicated app for tracking and remembering your journeys (not to mention one that records your progress across both Android and iOS). I’ll be installing Polarsteps on all the best phones I test in 2026 to keep tabs on the places I’ve been, and the stories I lived through while travelling through them.

Google has officially debuted Gemini 3, marking a major upgrade for its AI models and the platforms that use them. New reasoning modes, fresh app features, and an overhaul of the Google ecosystem that could change how people engage with Google products in day-to-day life.

Google Maps has always been good at getting me from point A to point B without drama, but with the latest update integrating Google's Gemini AI, navigation is much more conversational and flexible. The update adds context-aware discovery and real-time suggestions that respond to what you are doing instead of just where you are going. The AI's reasoning draws on real‑world location data, using information from business listings, reviews, images, and traffic conditions to answer questions

After some tests, on foot and behind the wheel, I can see why Google is so keen to show off how Gemini fits with Maps. The features pair well with how Google is bringing AI to its travel tools. Here are some of the ways I found to best exploit Gemini in Maps.

Discovering the best coffee nearby

I started with a walk to the nearby park. Along the way, I tapped the Gemini button where the Assistant button once dwelt, and asked the AI to “find the best coffee shops along the way, and tell me which one has the highest review score.”

Almost instantly, Google Maps showed a handful of options with their scores on the map, telling me about the top ones and highlighting the ones closest to me at the moment. When I got closer to the park, I tried again, and the map updated accordingly, all without ever actually leaving navigation.

When I chose one, it updated my directions and asked if I wanted to include directions from the coffee shop to the park, arranging a very easy trip indeed.

Route-based planning

So much for nearby things, but what about longer-term planning while on the road? I set up a drive from my place to an art gallery about an hour away, then started driving.

As I drove, I asked Gemini in Maps to "suggest the top three scenic lunch spots along the way to my destination that aren't too expensive and are easy to park at." Normally, this would mean either opening Gemini or doing more traditional keyword searches in Maps.

Instead, Gemini started describing three places along the route, with a short explanation of why it qualified as scenic, the kind of food there, and threw in their star rating as well. None required meaningful detours. Gemini seemed to understand that scenic only mattered after considering the route and even what scenic meant, with mentions of river views and popular terraces. It even offered suggestions like “parking is easiest on weekdays.”

Traffic and amenities

Traffic updates are something Maps has always handled reasonably well, but I wanted to see how well Gemini’s real‑time awareness could handle complex conditions and adjust plans.

While on the road, I deliberately took a slower route to observe the response when I asked Gemini, “Tell me if there are any traffic slowdowns ahead, and suggest alternative faster routes that also pass by a gas station or rest stop.” Gemini described an upcoming slowdown on the highway due to roadwork, which has been standard, but then it went well beyond that tradition by proposing two alternative routes.

The options were not only faster under current conditions but also met the additional needs I mentioned. One went past a conveniently located gas station right off an exit, and the other routed through a small town with a rest area that had a snack stand. What stood out was how Maps layered multiple criteria into a coherent set of choices. It balanced convenience and speed by outlining estimated times and clearly marking amenities on the map.

Gemini has been thoroughly embedded in Maps well beyond just updating the Assistant. It's more like using Gemini with a map add-on than Maps with an AI addition. The casual language made using it feel easier than the more traditionally stilted way of engaging with Maps, and the AI could remember what I had been saying earlier during the drive, so that I didn't even have to repeat myself about what I was looking for from requests for nearby lookouts or rest stops. It's more conversational, but also more decisive. It narrows options instead of overwhelming you.

There were moments when results took around 15 extra seconds to load, but nothing that derailed the travel. I didn't mind it when the results were as useful as they were. Gemini is advanced enough that, when combined with Maps' data, it seems to understand the spirit of what you want and fills in the rest with context. It also showed some restraint in surfacing suggestions when they are relevant and staying quiet otherwise.

The upgrade changed how I talk to Maps, giving it greater confidence when handling multiple requests. That's a real change, and one that people will likely be keen to adopt. And, of course, encouraging people to travel toward Gemini in other contexts as well is a destination Google will be happy to provide navigation for.

• Google Maps has brought back ski trails after it removed the feature in October 2024
• The company has also updated its data, using recent satellite imagery and resort information to correct past trails
• At the moment it's only supporting a handful of ski resorts, but we're assuming more will be added gradually in the near future

Winter is upon us, and Google Maps is reviving one its past features just in time for snowsports season – ski trails, lodge markers, and lifts are back after a year-long hiatus.

Previously, keen skiers and snowboarders could use Google Maps to source information for trip-planning, but the company removed this in October 2024, stating in a help page that “most users don’t turn to Google Maps for this type of information, and that they instead prefer to use maps directly from the individual ski resorts, since they’re seen as the most authoritative source of this information.”

This sparked a bit of backlash from those who relied on Google Maps’ ski trail details, which led to a petition that was signed by almost 3,000 people. Google has now responded in a statement shared to ski site POWDER, revealing: “We heard from many people who missed having ski information on Google Maps, so we’re bringing ski lifts and trails back this winter.”

So how is it different from last year? For starters, Google has updated its data set so that it features recent satellite and aerial imagery, in addition to information provided by the ski resorts themselves, allowing for past trail routes to be corrected. It also allows skiers to see pinpoints such as where a trail ends and where a chairlift drops you off.

While all of this is a huge upgrade, it appears that only a select number of resorts across North America and Europe, including Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia; Park City Mountain, Utah; and Palisades Tahoe, California. There are several popular resorts missing such as the Red Mountain Resort, British Columbia, and Hoodoo Ski Area, Oregon – suggesting that these will be added later when resort and satellite information is reviewed.

Despite this limitation, we wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Google Maps expanding the number of ski resorts it houses, and we’re assuming that those that details of those currently missing will gradually roll out – likely next year. We’ll be on the lookout for any updates that come from Google and keep you posted with new information.

• Look out for these four new features in Google Maps
• They cover exploring places, EV charging, and reviews
• Some Google Maps holiday trend data has also been shared

The holiday season is always a busy time for shopping and traveling, and Google wants to help: it's adding four new features to Google Maps that cover places to go, EV charging, and a way you can give back to the locations you visit.

First up is what Google is calling "insider tips" built with Google Gemini. The feature acts like a local guide – or rather, an AI that's scraped comments from local guides – to give you detailed information on a place that goes beyond the official listing.

Some examples Google gives are the best ways to book reservations, what the dress code might be, where you should park, and any secret items that might be on the menu – all delivered in Google Maps for you through Gemini. You'll find these tips on place cards, and they're appearing now for US users on Android and iOS.

The trusty Explore tab in Google Maps is getting updated too, with "trending and popular restaurants, activities and sights near you", pulled from sources like OpenTable and Lonely Planet. The idea is you can get some helpful pointers on where to visit next, any time, and this is rolling out globally across this month for Android and iOS.

EV charging and reviewing

Our third new feature is the ability to search for "EV chargers" in Google Maps, and get AI-powered predictions about how busy they'll be when you get there, based on "historical and real-time" charger data. In theory, it should mean you don't spend ages getting to a charger only to find long queues there.

This builds on several EV improvements we've seen in Google Maps over recent months and years, and improves on the current system that only shows you whether or not a charger is currently free. Google says this will start rolling out on Android Auto and cars with Google built in across the world from next week.

Lastly, you can now choose a separate nickname and picture for your reviews on Google Maps – so if you want to gift a five-star review somewhere, you don't have to use your real name. This goes live this month globally, on Android, iOS, and the web.

In addition Google has also posted some holiday data trends for Google Maps: these trends give you the busiest times for traveling, shopping, and visiting the post office, so you can try your best to avoid the busiest crowds.

• Google is rolling out new Gemini-powered features for Google Maps
• These include more powerful voice controls and improved directions
• Google Maps will also get a special Gemini-powered version of Lens

Google is showing the aging Google Assistant the door across most of its apps and services in favor of Gemini – and the latest one to get an AI-powered upgrade is Google Maps.

The popular navigation app is in the process of getting a Gemini brain transplant, and Google has promised in a new blog post that this will produce four new Google Maps soon that are largely aimed at drivers.

While some of these sound promising, others may well stray into the 'distracting' category, depending on how much you like talking to your phone while at the wheel. For example, Google says you'll be able to chat to Gemini to "catch up on last night's game or news" within Google Maps.

Still, in the main, these Gemini upgrades sound like a step forward from Google Assistant for Google Maps – here are all the main upgrades and when they're landing on Android and iOS.

1. Gemini voice assistance

• When is it rolling out? In the "coming weeks" on Android and iOS everywhere Gemini is available, with Android Auto on the way.

While today's Google Assistant in Google Maps is helpful, it very much feels like an AI assistant from a previous era – particularly with its inability to handle multi-step questions.

Google says the Gemini upgrade coming to Google Maps will change this. In the example above, the narrator asks “is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles"?

After getting a recommendation, the user is then able to ask natural language follow-ups like "what's the parking like there" and "what dishes are popular there"? You can also ask it to add unrelated events to your Google Calendar, if you've connected it to Gemini. We'll have to see how smoothly this all works in practice.

Arguably the most useful improvement here, though, is the ability to report traffic incidents using your voice. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to prod my phone screen to report or confirm accidents in Google Maps while driving, so hopefully this feature will reduce that annoyance.

• Early verdict: Reporting incidents with your voice sounds useful, but talking to Google Maps about local recommendations will depend how much you already trust the app's local info.

2. More specific directions and turning guidance

• When it is rolling out? Right now on Android and iOS in the US, with no date for other regions yet.

This one sounds useful, in theory. Google has acknowledged that existing Maps guidance like "turn right in 500 feet" isn't that helpful when that distance is difficult to gauge as you're flying down a highway.

To help, Google says Gemini will cross-reference Street View images from the local area with the latest Google Maps information on 250 million places to help it include local landmarks in its directions.

For example, it might say "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant", with the restaurant highlighted on the map. That all sounds very helpful in theory, though it's currently only rolling out in the US – and that need for very specific, local knowledge may slow down its global release.

• Early verdict: A helpful upgrade if it matches the demos, but it remains to be seen how quickly the rollout will be outside the US.

3. Traffic warnings outside navigation

• When is this rolling out? Rolling out now in the US on Android, no date for iOS or other regions.

This feature is designed more for those shorter, daily trips you take without needing Google Maps navigation, rather than the longer-distance ones where you already have the app running.

If you're on Android, Google says Maps will be able to "proactively notify you of disruptions on the road ahead", even when you're not using the app to navigate. That could be handy if there's, say, an unexpected traffic jam on your usual route or a burst water main you'd like to swerve.

It isn't a huge upgrade, but if it saves you half an hour of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, it'll be a feature that's worth turning on.

• Early verdict: A small quality-of-life upgrade for regular Maps users, but it's only on Android in the US for now

4. A Gemini-powered Google Lens inside Maps

• When is it rolling out? Later this month on Android and iOS, with no date for other regions.

Google clearly doesn't just want Google Maps to be the "knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat", as it describes it. Thanks to a new Gemini-powered Lens feature inside the app, it should also be able to help with recommendations when you reach your destination.

Tap the new camera icon in the app's search bar and you'll be able to hold up your phone (just like in Lens) to identify any restaurants, cafes, shops or landmarks in your view. For any that have a pin icon, Google says you'll then be able to talk to Maps and ask it questions like “What is this place and why is it popular?“ or “What’s the vibe inside?"

Again, this is all very much a best-case scenario – we'll have to see how well it works in the real-world. But in theory, the combo of Google Maps and Gemini here could be a powerful one for travel or quick info on local restaurants. Let's hope it gets a wider rollout outside the US soon.

• Early verdict: The benefit of this feature will depend on how much you like the use Google Lens – but the potential for smart glasses is also clear.

• Google Maps is getting AI-powered live lane guidance for your journeys
• You'll get hints on screen if you're currently in the wrong lane
• The feature is coming to the Polestar 4 first, in the US and Sweden

One of the trickiest parts of getting from A to B on the road, especially in built-up areas and unfamiliar territory, is knowing which lane you're supposed to be in – and Google Maps is about to improve this aspect of its navigation interface.

As per a post on its official blog, Google says that AI-powered live lane guidance is coming to Google Maps. It will use the front-facing camera on the vehicle to see which lane you're currently in, and tell you to move over if you need to.

"So if you’re in the far left lane and your exit is on the right, live lane guidance automatically detects this and uses clear audio and visual cues to remind you to merge in time," explains Google.

The catch? It only works for cars with Google software built right into the dashboard (so not Android Auto). The rollout is starting with the Polestar 4 in the US and Sweden "in the coming months", and as yet no other cars have been mentioned.

Less stress on the road

This is certainly a welcome upgrade, albeit one with limited availability for now. It looks as though the on-screen nudges will be fairly gentle ones, so they won't add to the stress of having to drive along difficult intersections and road networks.

Google Maps already offers some lane guidance, on both phones and Android Auto, to show you which lane you need to be in – but the benefit with the new system is that Google Maps will actually be able to tell if you're not where you need to be.

Based on my own personal experience, the lane guidance that's already in Google Maps can sometimes be hard to figure out, especially on roads where the lanes are changing at a fairly rapid pace. Of course you also need to keep eyes on the road at the same time.

To Google's credit, Google Maps is one of the apps that is regularly getting new features and improvements, including to the user interface. It also looks as though there will be a power-saving mode for navigation added in the near future.

• Google Maps tests a centered view on Android Auto
• A power-saving mode for navigation is in the works too
• It might be a while before everyone sees these changes

Google Maps continues to add small but helpful upgrades to the user experience, specifically in the latest example for navigating through the Android Auto interface – and it looks as though a handy battery saving mode is in the works too.

First up, Android Authority has spotted that if you're using Google Maps through Android Auto, the map is now centered on screen when you're using the app full screen – putting the turns of your route front and center.

This is a repeat of a change that happened earlier this year, but previously the rest of the user interface wasn't accounted for. What happened was that the search and recent destinations box kept interfering with the region of the map directly ahead of you.

The update was originally rolled back because of these clashes, but now the center alignment is back – and this time, Google has done everything properly, with the rest of the UI kept out of the way. It's not clear if this change is live for all users yet, however.

Getting from A to B with less battery

Our second bit of Google Maps news is a power-saving mode for using when navigating between places. It was originally spotted by Android Authority, and then we have some gallery pictures courtesy of 9to5Google as well.

This feature isn't live yet, so you won't be able to test it, but there's evidence for it in the code of the latest version of Google Maps for Android. It apparently turns the screen black and white, and keeps on-screen elements down to a minimum.

Those changes should help you eke out more time between battery charges, and just might mean the difference between making it to your destination before your phone dies, or having to complete the route without the help of Google Maps.

Nothing has been said about this feature by Google so far, and it may well be tweaked and refined before it rolls out to everyone. Considering some of the code for it is now in place, a rollout shouldn't be too far away.

• A new report claims Apple will soon infuse ads into Apple Maps
• The move would mirror a similar policy used by Google Maps
• It risks a backlash, with many users already threatening to quit

For years, Apple Maps has been free of ads, giving you a clean, accurate experience without the distractions and annoyances that you sometimes find in the ad-infused Google Maps. Yet a new report suggests that this is all about to change, with Apple supposedly on the brink of opening up its mapping app to a flurry of adverts and paid promotions.

That’s if Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman is on the money, that is. In this latest Power On newsletter, Gurman explains that Apple has been mulling this move for several years. Now, though, the company has seemingly decided to move ahead with the idea, with ads potentially landing in Apple Maps in 2026.

What would this mean in practice? According to Gurman, Apple’s plan “will allow restaurants and other businesses to pay to have their details featured more prominently within the app’s searches.” That might mean you see promoted companies’ locations when you open the app or search for a destination, as often happens in Google Maps.

Gurman adds that “The concept is quite similar to Search Ads inside of the App Store, where developers can pay for their software to appear in a promoted slot based on user queries.” He also states that Apple’s version “will have a better interface than what Google and other companies offer inside of mapping services” and that it will use artificial intelligence (AI) to “ensure that results are relevant and useful.”

User backlash

Despite its rocky start many years ago, I’ve long preferred Apple Maps over Google Maps. Part of that is thanks to its clean interface, which remains unblemished by the ads that you usually find in Google Maps.

Beyond the visual cleanliness, I also find it easier to trust Apple Maps because I know that no one has spent money to make their location appear more prominently – if a destination is popular, I know that’s because it’s good, not because it’s paid to climb its way up the food chain.

The move to insert ads into Apple Maps also sets up a potential clash with Apple’s longstanding commitment to user privacy. Since advertisers frequently collect as much information on users as possible in order to tailor their adverts, Apple will have to tread carefully to ensure customer privacy is respected under the new advertising program.

And it seems like I’m not the only one who’s wary about Apple’s rumored move – browse social media and you’ll quickly find likeminded users. For instance, Reddit user locke_5 commented: “I switched to Apple Maps specifically because of the (lack of) ads. If they introduce ads I will just go back to Google due to the superior review system.”

InItsTeeth argued on Reddit that “Ads in Google Maps really tanked that app for me I’d hate to see this in Apple Maps,” while another user had a succinct verdict: “Greed truly has no end. The hunger never stops. Sad.”

As Gurman says, Apple’s move has the potential to spark a user backlash. As for me, I’ll wait to see how Apple implements ads (if indeed this does come to fruition) before looking for alternative apps. If the company is able to implement this system without compromising users’ personal data then it will be more of an annoyance than a genuine privacy concern. That would still be detrimental to the app’s interface, though, and in any case, there’s no guarantee that’s what will happen when ads arrive next year.

Even if Apple can somehow find a way to insert adverts that respect your privacy, I can’t see how this is going to do anything to enhance my experience. Given how irritating ads often prove to be, I’m not exactly filled with hope.

Apple iPhone users of a certain vintage will remember the excitement of when Google Maps was released on iOS, given how clunky and inaccurate the native Maps app was. Over the years, Apple worked hard to improve Maps, and generally did a solid job of it.

Yet, I’d place a decent bet that many people still use Google Maps on their iPhones, and I am one of them, especially as I do use a lot of other Google tools and have Chrome as my main browser across multiple devices. However, with the arrival of iOS 26, I decided to take a look at Apple Maps to catch up on the changes and new additions.

And with that, there’s scope for my head to be turned from Google Maps or, at the very least, I’d have a flirtation with Cupertino’s mildly refreshed Maps.

Having not used Apple Maps for a while, at least not for an extended amount of time, I was pleasantly surprised with how clutter-free and slick the interface feels, and how tapping on a store or building serves up useful information in a way that doesn't overwhelm. Google Maps does this and quite well, but sometimes it can feel like there are too many options to parse and innovation to absorb at a glance.

I’m not wholly sold on the Liquid Glass material integration, as it’s not very noticeable. But I do feel it makes the app feel a little slicker, compared to Google Maps and an older version on my iPad mini, although this could be just a quirk of my perception.

However, what’s really caught my eye is the pair of new features: Preferred Routes and Visited Places, both introduced with iOS 26.

Preferred Routes is, as the name would suggest, a tool that learns your everyday activity and the routes you commonly take and then proactively alerts you to any delays on your commute. It’s not a feature I’ve used yet, as I think Apple Intelligence will need to learn more about my routes, but it seems like a cool feature that Google Maps doesn't have. Sure, there are traffic alerts and indications of potential delays on the route once you’ve plotted it, but it’s hardly proactive.

Visited Places, currently in a beta mode, is another new feature I’m keen to take for a spin. As my colleague Jamie Richards put it, Visited Places acts as a form of Spotify Wrapped for your travels in that it automatically detects and records the places you visit, from restaurants to shops, allowing you to then easily look them up for a useful reminder or more information.

While some people are concerned about privacy, I do like the Google Maps Timeline that records your routes and the places you’ve been, which is ideal for someone like me who will often have a wander after a few alcoholic drinks and struggle to remember where my walks took me. However, I’ve not always found Google Maps to be reliable, and it will often say I was at a location for a certain amount of time when I merely passed it; it’s not bad by any means and is still very useful, just far from perfect.

I don’t expect Visited Places to be perfect either, but I do feel Apple is very good at refining these information-centric features, so I’m definitely keen to give it a go and could see it as a means to fill in any gaps left by Google Maps.

With these new features, some nips and tucks to the interface, and a widget option for Maps, I think I’m going to try and give Apple’s native iOS mapping app more of a chance than I have in the past. And while it may take a bit more for me to fully leave Google Maps, I can definitely see myself tapping more into Apple Maps than ever before.

What do you reckon? Are you someone who’s been a Maps user for ages, or has Google Maps always kept your attention? Let me know in the comments below.

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iOS 26 is finally here – all over the globe, users of the best iPhones are experiencing Apple’s biggest mobile operating system update in years.

The big ticket item in iOS 26 is its visual redesign, which leans on Apple’s new Liquid Glass ‘material’ and sees nearly every aspect of the software experience retouched. With that said, the update also brings with it some great revisions to Apple's suite of pre-installed apps.

My personal choice for iOS 26’s standout feature belongs to the latter category. The update brings a new Visited Places feature to Apple Maps, which – as you might guess – logs the places you visit, as well as how many times you’ve visited them.

As someone who loves maps, games, and finding cool new spots around my hometown of London, this scratches my brain in all the right ways. The first thing I do whenever I pick up one of the best PS5 games is fill out the map, and I’ve always loved any feature that records your path through the world, like the Hero’s Path mode in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Looking back on the past few years, I’d love to see how many times I’ve wandered through my favorite parks, danced at my favorite nightclubs, and stopped by my friends’ houses. Visited Places seems like a really nice way to literally map out a part of your identity.

And, frankly, in a world of data scraping and attention-grabbing algorithms, it’s just nice to get a new bit of software that actually feels fun. Visited Places is the rare smartphone feature that relies on you not staring at the screen – to get the most out of it, you actually have to get up, go out, and find something new, which is exactly what mobile tech should empower us to do.

Android fans will point to Google Maps' Timeline feature as a competitor, and I can only admire the fact that Google offers a similar (and in fact more comprehensive) service. Visited Places is simply one for the Apple fans, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it integrates with the rest of iOS 26.

The closest comparison I can think of for features like Visited Places and Timeline is Spotify Wrapped, which gives you a yearly breakdown of your music listening habits to rifle through and share with your friends. Critics of wrapped might say it gamifies listening too much, that the focus on data takes away from the experience.

I think it’s true that anything can be taken too far if you’re just chasing numbers, but Wrapped has led me to listen to a wider and deeper range of music with those yearly figures in mind. And as with Wrapped, I can see Visited Places encouraging me to find new experiences by tallying new spots around town and around the world (as well as being fabulous small talk material).

I’m also notoriously lax when it comes to taking pictures while I’m out adventuring, so having a record of notable locations I passed through could make piecing together my journeys much easier (this has a nice synergy with the updated Journal app, which allows you to add locations to entries).

Visited Places is slated to come to a limited number of countries – the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Switzerland, and Malaysia. I’ve updated my UK-registered iPhone 15 to iOS 26, but can’t see Visited Places available yet – keep an eye on Apple’s help page for instructions and compatibility information.

So, if anyone needs me, I’ll be out adding new locations to my open world with iOS 26 – just as soon as Apple enables Visited Places for me.

Which iOS 26 features have caught your attention so far? Let us know in the comments below.

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• A new Google Maps feature has been spotted for Gemini Live
• It would pull up place information from Google Maps
• We're not sure when the feature might go live for everyone

Google continues to build new features on top of its Gemini Live experience – where you can chat naturally to the AI, and show it the world around you through your phone's camera – and it seems a useful Google Maps upgrade is on the way.

The team at Android Authority has spotted code hidden in the latest Google app for Android that lets you overlay information from Google Maps on top of the camera viewfinder, so you get more details about what you're looking at.

So, for example, you might see the name of a restaurant and its Google Maps rating pop up if your phone's camera is looking down a street. It sounds similar to the Google Lens augmented reality (AR) feature that's already available inside the Google Maps app.

At the moment, you can already use Gemini Live to point your camera at places in front of you, whether they're landmarks or businesses, and ask questions about them. Once this new feature arrives, you'll get Google Maps data added in as well.

Smarter device

The Android Authority team has managed to get the feature up and running, and it looks pretty basic at the moment. You can also get the Google Maps information up in audio mode, but you need to be specific about the places you want the details of.

This kind of AR-enabled overlay would be useful for smart glasses too of course: imagine being able to bring up a Google Maps info card right in your line of vision. We may see a new Samsung-made pair of smart specs arriving before the end of the month.

It also builds on top of the new visual guidance feature for Gemini Live that Google demoed at the Pixel 10 launch event, which highlights specific objects in the camera viewfinder – like buttons, parking spots, tools, or anything else that's useful.

There's no indication of when this feature might roll out to the masses, but considering the necessary code is already in place – and that Google has been keen to push out AI features as quickly as possible – it shouldn't be too long before we're all seeing it.

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• Public transit routes are buggy on Google Maps
• It seems to be affecting some but not all users
• Google hasn't yet made any comment on the issue

Millions of us rely on Google Maps to get from A to B every day, so when something goes wrong with the app it can cause a serious headache – as seems to have happened with a new bug that affects searching for public transit directions.

As noted by Android Police, a lengthy thread on Reddit documents the experiences of many users who are seeing the Google Maps app for Android crash when they search for public transit directions to a direction.

It's difficult to assess just how widespread the problem is at the moment: the Android Police team was able to replicate the bug on one of their phones, but it's not an issue I'm seeing on my own Google Pixel 9 at the moment.

What's certain is that it's frustrating for those people who are seeing it, leaving them unable to use Google Maps to plot a route to their destination. As yet, Google hasn't said anything officially about the problem or a potential fix.

What you can try

With no word from Google yet – and I'll update this article if there is – users are really left sitting and waiting for a fix. It sounds as though the issue has hit multiple Android phones, including those made by Google, Samsung, and Poco.

From the Reddit thread, it seems that putting Google Maps into incognito mode might help. You can do this by tapping your Google account avatar inside the app (top right), then choosing Turn on Incognito mode from the menu.

This apparently fixes the problem, though your searches and journeys obviously won't be saved in your Google account. It also suggests that the problem might be something to do with the way Google Maps is syncing to accounts.

It might also be worth your while checking out some of the alternative public transit apps available on Android, such as Citymapper and Moovit. There's also Apple Maps too of course, but this bug doesn't seem to affect Google Maps for iOS.

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• Garmin has added support for Google Maps on its wearables
• This gives you turn-by-turn directions on your wrist
• The update lets you find your way without using your phone

When you’re out enjoying the great outdoors, the last thing you want to do is ruin your experience by constantly having to check your phone for directions. That’s doubly true when you’re running or cycling, where a distraction like a phone could be a real nuisance.

If you have a Garmin wearable, though, you won’t need to worry about that, as Garmin has just added Google Maps to its fitness tracker app store. The idea is you’ll get turn-by-turn directions on your wrist, enabling you to keep your phone in your pocket or your bag.

It’s compatible with popular models like Garmin’s Venu 3, Vivoactive 5 and Fenix 8 smartwatches, among many others (you can find the full list of compatible models at the end of this article).

In a press release, Susan Lyman, Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Garmin, said “Whether exploring a new city, mapping out a run or casually cycling with friends, the Google Maps app in the Connect IQ store will keep users going in the right direction.”

They added: “The turn-by-turn notifications will be a game changer for those who want to stay hands-free and keep their phone in their pocket.”

Quick directions on your wrist

Garmin says this will benefit both pedestrians and fitness fans. For walkers, your Garmin wearable will vibrate gently as you approach a turn. If you tap the app, it’ll show you the next three turns.

If you want to go for a run or bike ride, you can still measure your fitness metrics while getting directions from Google Maps. Once you’re done, you can sync your activity data from Garmin Connect to third-party Android health and fitness apps using Google Health Connect.

Garmin is not the first company to implement a feature like this, but it’s a welcome addition regardless. My Apple Watch offers similar functionality through the Apple Maps app, and it’s perfect for when I need to get directions without pulling up my phone every time. I find that it’s ideal not only when I’m out on a run, but also for those times when I’m in a busy city and want to keep my phone safely stowed.

If Garmin’s latest update sounds like something you’d use, you can download the Google Maps app from the Garmin Connect IQ Store, where it's available for free.

The full list: the Garmin watches getting turn-by-turn Google Maps directions

• Approach S50
• Approach S70 (42mm)
• Approach S70 (47mm)
• D2 Mach 1
• D2 Mach 1 Pro
• Descent G2
• Enduro 2
• Enduro 3
• epix (Gen 2), quatix 7 – Sapphire Edition
• epix Pro (42mm)
• epix Pro (47mm), quatix® 7 Pro
• epix Pro (51mm)
• fēnix 7, quatix 7, fēnix 7– Sapphire Dual Power Edition
• fēnix 7 Pro, fēnix 7 Pro – Solar Edition, fēnix 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition, fēnix 7 Pro– Sapphire Dual Power Edition
• fēnix 7 Pro – Solar Edition (No Wi-Fi)
• fēnix 7S, fēnix 7S– Solar Edition, fēnix 7S– Sapphire Solar Edition
• fēnix 7S Pro, fēnix 7S Pro– Sapphire Solar Edition, fēnix 7S Pro– Sapphire Dual Power Edition
• fēnix 7X, fēnix 7X - Solar Edition, fēnix 7X– Sapphire Solar Edition, quatix 7X – Solar Edition
• fēnix 7X Pro, fēnix 7X Pro– Sapphire Solar Edition, fēnix 7X Pro– Sapphire Dual Power Edition
• fēnix 8 AMOLED (43mm)
• fēnix 8 AMOLED (47mm/51mm), quatix 8 AMOLED (47mm/51mm), tactix 8 AMOLED (47mm/51mm)
• fēnix 8 Solar (47mm), fēnix 8 Dual Power (47mm)
• fēnix 8 Solar (51mm), fēnix 8 Dual Power (51mm), tactix 8 Solar (51mm)
• fēnix E
• Forerunner 165
• Forerunner 165 Music
• Forerunner 265
• Forerunner 265S
• Forerunner 570 - 42mm
• Forerunner 570 - 47mm
• Forerunner 955 Dual Power
• Forerunner 965
• Forerunner 970
• MARQ (Gen 2), MARQ Carbon Collection, MARQ Adventurer (Gen 2) - Damascus Steel Edition
• MARQ Commander (Gen 2) – Carbon Edition
• MARQ Aviator (Gen 2)
• tactix 7, tactix 7 – Pro Ballistics Edition, tactix 7 – Pro Edition
• tactix 7 – AMOLED Edition
• tactix 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED, tactix 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED
• tactix 8 – 51 mm, Solar, tactix 8 – 51 mm, Solar, Elite
• Venu 3
• Venu 3S
• Venu X1
• vívoactive 5
• vívoactive 6

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Sensay, a creator of AI-powered digital replicas of people, has established an AI-powered government on a real island it purchased off the coast of the Philippines. Previously known as Cheron Island, it's been renamed Sensay Island.

The Head of State (effectively, the President) of Sensay Island is Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, one of The Five Good Emperors of Rome, who was known for his love of Stoic philosophy and good judgement. Wartime British PM Winston Churchill is the Prime Minister, while Sun Tzu, author of the Chinese strategic classic, The Art of War, takes the reins at Defence. Alexander Hamilton is the new Treasury Secretary.

According to Sensay, “Each AI replica is designed to emulate the personality, values, and decision-making patterns of the historical figure it represents, providing a governance style infused with timeless wisdom and ethical principles.

To truly emulate the character of these historical figures, each recreation is uniquely trained on the literature, teaching, philosophies, and speeches of the real-life counterparts they represent."

How easily AI replicas from such disparate periods and with such strong characters will be able to work together in government remains to be seen, since their contrasting values must surely clash at points, not to mention be at odds with modern-day values.

The full cabinet

Here’s the full list of Sensay Island cabinet members:

Head of State (President): Marcus Aurelius

Prime Minister: Winston Churchill

Foreign Affairs Minister: Eleanor Roosevelt

Defense Minister: Sun Tzu

Treasury Secretary: Alexander Hamilton

Justice Minister: Nelson Mandela

Science & Technology Minister: Ada Lovelace

Education Minister: Confucius

Health Minister: Florence Nightingale

Agriculture Minister: George Washington Carver

Environment Minister: Wangari Maathai

Culture Minister: Leonardo da Vinci

Ethics Advisor: Mahatma Gandhi

Innovation Advisor: Nikola Tesla

Infrastructure Director: Queen Hatshepsut

Chief Strategist: Zhuge Liang

Intelligence Chief: T.E. Lawrence

Personally, I think DaVinci was a wise choice for Culture Minister, and it’s nice to see Nikola Tesla being recognized as Innovation Advisor, but I have to say I’m a little disappointed not to see Queen Cleopatra anywhere in the mix.

Confucius also presents some challenges as Education Minister, considering his unfamiliarity with modern technology, like AI.

A real island

Sensay Island is indeed a real island off the coast of the Philippines. You can find it on Google Maps. It has a surface area of around 3.4 km², comprising beaches, rainforest, and coral lagoons.

From what we can see, there doesn’t seem to be any infrastructure of any kind on the island, so if you’re thinking of a visit, be aware that there’s probably no Wi-Fi.

While an AI government feels like something of a publicity stunt, there are serious reasons why Sensay has created an AI island:

“Sensay is looking to demonstrate that AI can be deployed in national governance to aid policymaking free from political partisanship and bureaucratic delays, and with unprecedented transparency and participation”, it says.

A fly on the wall

According to Marisol Reyes, the (AI-powered) Tourism Manager for Sensay Island, who you can chat with at its website, you can visit the island whenever you like:

“Absolutely, you can visit our beautiful island! We're thrilled to welcome visitors to experience this unique blend of cutting-edge AI governance and traditional Filipino hospitality. Sensay Island is open to tourists who want to explore our pristine beaches, vibrant coral sanctuaries, and witness history in the making with our groundbreaking AI Council.”

For those without the means to visit, the good news is that you can still get involved. You will soon be able to register as an E-resident of Sensay Island, allowing you to propose new policies for its AI-powered administration via an open-access platform:

“This will combine direct democracy with AI-enhanced decision-making”, says Sensay.

Dan Thomson, CEO and founder of Sensay, added, “This project shows Sensay’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI in a responsible direction. I hope our approach will show the public and world leaders that AI is a feasible and efficient way to develop and implement policies."

Despite an AI-controlled civilization leading to (attempted) human extinction in just about every major Sci-Fi movie I’ve watched in the last 40 years, from Logan’s Run to The Terminator, it seems that humans are still determined to give it a go.

But could AI actually provide a more balanced and sane government than our elected officials can? There’s only one way to find out...

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I find it hard to remember what life was like before navigation apps burst onto the scene. I owned my first smartphone when I was aged 15, so prior to that point in time, I just relied on my parent’s paper map-reading abilities. I don’t ever remember that being a problem, although I’m sure there will have been a disagreement or two.

Despite not knowing we needed them, when navigation apps appeared, I think we suddenly realized how limited atlas maps really were. Being able to receive turn-by-turn instructions was an absolute game changer, which meant the driver or passenger no longer needed their hard-honed map reading skills.

It was in 2005 that Google launched its desktop maps tool, with the mobile version coming the year after. With Google becoming ubiquitous with almost every type of search enquiry, many of us became dependent upon them for the simple task of getting from A to B.

Like a lot of tech tools we take for granted, it's likely a lot of people have never questioned whether Google Maps is the best app for the job. This is especially true for Android phone owners who have the app forced upon them by way of an automatic pre-install.

This article is for those who, like me, have got a little bit tired of Google Maps. Maybe it’s the interface, or the lack of innovative tools, or simply the fact that it’s owned by a mega corporation. Whatever the reason, we have collated five of the best alternatives that are well worth a try.

1. Waze

It was over a year ago that I became so frustrated with Google Maps that I turned to Waze. It only took a few journeys to realize that I should have transferred over a long time ago. Boasting a number of innovative features, I found the whole process of traveling far easier and more predictable.

The app centres around a ‘Plan a Drive’ feature, which provides the ability to set an arrival time. The app will then calculate when you should leave based on its vast amount of community-uploaded traffic data. Thanks to its knowledge of the roads at specific times of the day, I found myself sitting in traffic far less often just by leaving when the app recommended.

Like Google Maps, users can also post traffic incidents that further improve the accuracy of driving times. Obviously these must be entered by a passenger, but once they’re in the system, other Waze users can take advantage of rerouting to avoid similar problems. It's this community-based approach which gives users a real sense of togetherness when journeying around.

I also love all the alerts provided. You can be informed of upcoming speed bumps so you can manage your speed ahead of time. It’ll even let you know if there are sharp bends ahead, just in case you missed any road signs. All of this creates a maps app that's a pleasure to use.

2. HERE WeGo

It’s been five years since we wrote about HERE WeGo, the map app that will navigate you from your office chair to your airport gate and more. Despite all the time that has passed, we would still highly recommend this app for those who want a break from Google Maps.

The app is 100% free and provides a range of navigation features, including offline maps, public transport guidance, and more. All of this is packaged up in a beautifully designed interface that's easy to find your way around. I can often find Google Maps a little clunky, which makes an app like HERE WeGo so much more satisfying.

The app collects 500 million kilometers of probe and sensor data every hour. By blending this and other data into one unified live map, HERE WeGo is able to deliver the highest map quality and coverage.

HERE WeGo also specializes in location intelligence, which makes people’s journeys more enjoyable. Through the range of features, it’s possible to not only plan a simple route but also include recreational stops on the way, such as grabbing coffee or charging your EV.

The app is also a perfect companion for all your global travels. With offline maps and public transport guidance, you can effortlessly explore over 1,900 cities worldwide. No need for those paper maps anymore.

3. MapQuest (Only for US readers)

MapQuest is a fantastic turn-by-turn GPS navigation app that delivers optimized routing, alternative route choices, and multipoint routes. The inclusion of voice navigation for driving and walking also helps streamline the process of traveling between two places. As far as navigation goes, there isn’t much that sets it apart from Google Maps.

Don’t dismiss it just yet, though. MapQuest has one advantage in that it has a specific focus on enabling users to explore points of interest. This is ideal for travelers who are moving around and exploring new places, as well as anyone who wants to discover new places near to where they live.

The app lets you search and explore nearby points of interest, including restaurants, bars, gas stations and hotels. These, and more, are located in the app’s layers bar, which is ideal for turning each feature on and off. Integrated into the app is also the ability to find hotel deals and book them directly through the app. This might not be the type of feature that you want from your navigation tool, but it’s there should you need it.

Any journey inevitably requires a quick check of the predicted weather. I’ll often do this in a separate weather app, but with MapQuest it’s possible to do it inside the app itself. Anything that helps me find the information I want more quickly and easily is a win as far as I’m concerned.

MapQuest is a well-designed app that contains all the navigation features you’d expect as well as a range of exploration tools for discovering new places.

4. Maps.Me

The best feature of the Maps.Me app is, hands down, the offline maps. By using OpenStreetMap data, users can navigate their way to a chosen destination even if they’ve lost their data connection. This is particularly useful for travelers, hikers, or anyone in areas with limited data access. No more panic stations when your connection drops out.

By using OpenStreetMap data, the app relies on community-contributed map data. You might think this would be its downfall, but in reality it’s surprisingly detailed, especially in areas where Google Maps may have less detailed information.

Google Maps does provide offline maps, but I’ve always found the process of downloading them annoyingly clunky and difficult. They also seem to take up an unnecessarily large amount of storage space. Many of these problems are overcome by the dedicated tools offered by Maps.Me.

And for those who don’t get along with the Google Maps interface, you’ll find Maps.Me to be a lot less cluttered and streamlined. All of this makes for a very enjoyable navigation experience.

5. Sygic

As one of the very first GPS navigation app creators, the team at Sygic have all the experience that comes from 25 years of app development. Not only does Sygic provide voice-guided navigation and real-time traffic updates, but it also delivers an excellent offline maps experience.

Maps can be downloaded when you have an internet connection to cover you for the times when you don’t. I find this feature particularly helpful for when I go on holiday and can’t guarantee I’ll have a data connection.

Sygic also provides helpful information along journeys with camera alerts, fuel price information, and parking assistance. I particularly love being able to quickly see fuel prices in an area so I can get the best deal without traveling too far.

We also love the app’s augmented reality feature that overlays navigation instructions onto the phone's camera view. This really helps to integrate the navigation experience into the real world by blurring the distinctions between phone and reality.

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Apple Maps has come a long way from its shaky launch back in 2012, and today it can go toe-to-toe with Google Maps as one of the best mapping apps out there. Now, Apple is hoping to solidify its reputation by adding a promising new feature to Apple Maps, and it could help you find your next favorite restaurant.

According to a news release from Apple, you can now search for restaurants that have been recommended through the Michelin Guide, Green Star, and Bib Gourmand schemes, with ratings from restaurant recommendation site The Infatuation and Golf Digest coming soon. That means you can quickly find highly rated eateries without having to first trawl through heaps of reports and reviews.

Apple explained that “place cards will now reflect distinctions, descriptions, and images from expert sources” in Apple Maps. The new ratings are available to Apple Maps users in the US and will be coming to other locations soon, Apple said.

As the mention of Golf Digest above hinted at, the changes won’t just affect restaurants – Apple Maps will soon add extra info for hotels and golf courses, too, with ratings from the Michelin Key hotel scheme available now. You can directly book select hotels through Apple Maps, with reservations for Michelin restaurants and Supreme Golf sessions on the way.

Expert reviews

I prefer using Apple Maps to Google Maps, as I find its maps more detailed and its vocal instructions clearer. But I concede that Google Maps has one key advantage: user reviews. Google just has far more reviews posted to restaurants, shops and attractions than Apple, even though Apple Maps can pull in ratings from TripAdvisor.

So, with Apple Maps adding support for expert reviews of restaurants, hotels and more, I’m hoping that my preferred mapping app might be able to catch up to Google in this key area. Because while I love using Apple Maps for most things, whether in the app or online, it’s a pain to have to switch over to Google Maps whenever I want to source a wider range of restaurant reviews.

The addition of Michelin reviews is just the latest update to Apple Maps, which recently added a tie-in with the upcoming Brat Pitt movie F1. If you want to get going with these expert reviews in Apple Maps, just add a search filter and start browsing. That should help you find a better place to eat or stay in a few quick taps.

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• Google Maps has a new location-scanning feature for your screenshots
• It searches screenshots for places, then adds them to a private list
• There could be privacy concerns with this new feature

Update: May 12, 2025

A Google spokesperson sent us the following statement: "This feature does not use or store user location data - it simply identifies the names of places in screenshots."

Update: May 14, 2025

We have also removed a speculative statement about the use of location data in relation to this feature, which Google told us was false.

Original article follows:

If you frequently find yourself screenshotting locations and then looking them up afterwards, there’s a new feature in the Google Maps iOS app that could help save you time.

In a blog post, Google detailed the feature, which is available now (although it had been revealed about a month ago). The feature sees Google use its own Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) to scan your screenshots and add any locations mentioned in the images to a new private list in Google Maps.

Right now, it appears that Google Maps scans your images for text mentioning a place name, rather than looking up the location data itself that's been saved to the pictures or using image recognition. That's a bit limiting for now, but it's surely the first step towards more powerful version.

You can find the new private list in the You tab in the Google Maps app. Provided you have the latest Google Maps update, you’ll find a private list labeled Screenshots, alongside a tutorial on how to use the new feature.

The Screenshots folder will show a list of recent images that contain location names. You can then tap a Review button to see the place that Google has detected in the image. If you’re happy it has the right place, you can tap Save; otherwise, tap Don’t Save. The app will then show you the saved location on a map.

There’s also an auto-scan aspect to this. If you grant Google permission, the app will be able to scan all of your screenshots in order to detect locations. Or you can add images manually, if you prefer.

Privacy concerns

Given Google’s arguably shoddy record when it comes to user privacy, the idea of allowing the company to scan my library of screenshots and log my location information feels pretty uncomfortable to me.

Beyond the privacy concerns, I wonder how much utility a feature like this would add in the first place. On iOS, you can tap and hold on any text and then look it up on the web, which applies to things like addresses and place names. That means it’s already quick and easy to find information on places you’ve screenshotted, without Google Maps’ latest update.

Still, just because I’m not sold on it, that doesn’t mean that no one else will find Google’s latest idea useful. If you want to try it out for yourself, make sure you download the latest Google Maps version on iOS – the feature will apparently come to the best Android phones at a later date.

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• Google's latest feature drop might be a big win for summer travel
• As with flights, you can now track prices and set alerts for hotels
• Google Maps can also now pull potential places to visit from screenshots

If you’re a fan of Google Flights, especially for the price tracking data and how the current prices you’re seeing rank against other days, you’re in for a treat. As part of a drop of features fit for upcoming summer travel, Google aims to do for hotels what it’s done for flights.

And yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Now, when you search for hotels on Google, you’ll have the option to ask the search giant to track prices. Essentially, you turn on the feature and then get an alert if there is a price drop.

Similar to flights, you can be a bit descriptive, setting a price range or a 'don’t bother me if it doesn’t fall' here. It will even factor in a star rating if you have one selected and the general area where you were searching for a hotel.

Google is rolling out this new hotel price tracking feature globally on desktop and mobile. Once it’s available, you’ll find it right in search, complementing the historical knowledge of hotel pricing history.

This hotel-focused feature is launching alongside some other new functionality from Google, all billed under getting ready for summer travel. The ability to set up price alerts for hotels is undoubtedly the most user-friendly feature and could have the most significant impact. It could potentially help you save on a stay.

Another new feature that could help you better prepare for a trip is screenshot support within Google Maps. If you enable it, Google Maps will look through photos and deliver a list of places you've screenshotted.

So, if you've been screenshotting TikToks about the best places to eat in New York City or maybe a list of the best ice cream spots in Boston, you won't need to dig through all of them to find every place mentioned.

Instead, with some AI help, Google Maps will look through your screenshots, find those spots, and list them well in a handy list for you. It'll live in the app in a list titled "Screenshots," and this feature is entirely optional.

This feature could prove helpful, but considering that screenshots aren’t just used for travel or remembering specific spots, this could also be a bit of a privacy concern.

It is opt-in only and not on by default, but it is rolling out now to mobile devices with U.S. English on iOS first, with Android following shortly.

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• There's also faster access to Gemini AI
• These changes aren't available to everyone yet

Google Maps is one of the apps that gets the most love from Google in terms of regular updates, and we've spotted another couple of upgrades rolling out to the mapping app in recent days – upgrades to add some extra convenience to your travels.

Firstly, the app is changing up how it displays route overviews. As Android Police has noted, the info card you see when you select any place on the map on Android now shows you more details about parking availability and any applicable toll fees.

This information was previously available in Google Maps, but you had to dig around a little bit to find it – now it's included on the main route overview pop-up, alongside the estimated travel time and the current traffic conditions.

It's a small tweak but one that's potentially very useful. It brings together more of the data Google Maps has in the same place, which means you're more clued up about your journeys and you can get moving more quickly. It doesn't look as though the update is live for everyone yet, but it should be eventually.

More AI in Google Maps

Our second new feature concerns Google's favorite tech of the moment: AI. As spotted by Android Authority, if you select a place on the map in Google Maps for Android, then activate Gemini (with a long press on the power button for example), you get a new Ask about place chip you can tap.

Gemini being able to tell you about places isn't new, but the addition of a specific shortcut means you can get some AI-generated information about a location much more quickly from Google Maps. Just watch out for hallucinations, as always.

For example, you could ask when a certain place opens or closes, or ask if it's suitable for kids. The responses will then be displayed in a Gemini overlay on top of the screen, as usual, and you can ask follow-up questions if needed.

We can expect much more in the way of Gemini integration in Google Maps and Google's other apps in the future, too. Google has been busy pushing the AI bot into as many apps as it can, while it continues to work on retiring Google Assistant.

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• Apple’s iOS 18.4 beta lets users change their default mapping app
• The new feature is only available to people based in the EU
• iOS 18.4 is in beta but should launch fully by early April

Apple is known for keeping a tight grip on its operating systems, but that resolve has been tested by the European Union (EU) in recent years. Now, Apple is being forced to concede another point and allow its users to change their default mapping app on iOS.

The change is due to arrive in the iOS 18.4 update, which is currently available as a beta. However, there’s a big catch: the new feature will only be available to users in the EU, meaning anyone in the US and around the world will miss out for now.

If you are located in the EU and have the latest iOS 18.4 beta, you can make the adjustment by opening the Settings app and going to Apps > Default Apps > Navigation. There, you will be able to change you default map app from Apple Maps to Google Maps, Waze, or something else.

It’s not all bad for US users, though, as Apple has made a slight allowance here. If you’re based in the US, the iOS 18.4 beta lets you change the default translation app in iOS. This can be found in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Translation. This feature is also available to users in the EU and worldwide.

Apple vs the EU

The past couple of years have seen the EU force Apple to make changes to its operating systems and open them up more to competition. Apple must now allow sideloading and alternative app stores on its systems, for example – something that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Enabling users to change their default mapping app is just the latest instance of this scrap between Apple and the EU. It comes in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act and was originally revealed in an Apple document in fall 2024. Now, it’s come into effect.

For now, the only way to change your default map app – aside from being based in the EU – is to have downloaded the iOS 18.4 beta. The full version of iOS 18.4 is expected to launch in April, according to an Apple press release.

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Google Maps timelines are disappearing, and not only is there no guaranteed fix for the issue right now, it isn’t clear if this is a permanent removal or only a temporary glitch.

At first glance, reports of people’s timelines being lost seems like they might have fallen afoul of Google Map’s big privacy change: your Google Maps timeline is moving from the cloud to your device, and unless you agree to various new settings by a deadline date (which is different for different users, weirdly) you’ll lose your travel history.

However, according to reports in the Google Maps subreddit (spotted by 9to5Google), it’s an unrelated issue as it’s affecting people who have agreed to backup their timeline locally. What’s more, they’re unable to restore old backups (even if they delete and reinstall the Maps app), and some are noting that new visits aren’t being tracked either.

Some users have posted saying that Google Support blames the issue on Google One, and that Google is working on a fix, though, at the time of writing, there doesn’t appear to be a reliable method for getting your timeline back.

There was a time when restoring a backup seemed to work, however, the issue has gone on so long the backups are now being overwritten – or simply can’t be restored – meaning this option isn’t available anymore.

Why is it such a big deal?

Thankfully, the issue doesn’t seem to be impacting everyone – the Google Maps timeline on our devices appears to be fine, for example – but this is nevertheless frustrating.

While having Google tracking your location sounds less than ideal for many, having a timeline of their travel history is a dream come true for plenty others. It serves as a useful tool for reminiscing about holidays, or finding a location you want to return to later – such as a cafe you stopped at the other day, or a museum you didn’t spend enough time in on your last trip away.

I love looking back through my timeline and would be disappointed if my travel history was ripped from me by a glitch – especially as right now there’s no word on when users’ timelines will be restored.

From the sounds of things, it should be a glitch Google can resolve, but, for now, everyone affected will have to wait and see when a fix is sent out.

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• Google Maps has become the first app to support Live Updates in the latest Android 16 beta
• The new notification style allows some information to persist on the lock screen and status bar
• Android 16 is expected to release some time between April and June 2025

Though many of the best Android phones just recently got support for Android 15, beta versions of Android 16 are already available for Google Pixel users, bringing key upgrades to the operating system as well as to Google’s suite of default apps.

One of the most keenly anticipated upgrades coming with Android 16 is Live Updates, a new notification feature that allows notifications to display much more information as well as persist on the lock screen. A comparable feature, called Live Activities, rolled out to iOS devices last year.

As it turns out, Google Maps is the first app to support this new feature, with Android 16 adding the ability to see directions, time until your next turn, and your estimated time of arrival all in one Live Update notification.

This new Live Update is visible on the lock screen, and an estimated time of arrival persists in the status bar when the phone is unlocked, though as Android Authority notes, the new notification style is currently collapsed on the always-on display.

In a prior build of Android 16, Live Updates were available on the always-on display as an outline, so Google will likely re-enable this in the stable release or later betas.

Live Updates were technically introduced with the first beta of Android 16 back in January 2025, but as mentioned, no apps have supported them until now.

Android 16 is rolling out at a faster pace than normal, and we’ve previously heard that the next mainline update to Google’s mobile operating system will arrive sooner than usual in the second quarter of 2025 – that’s somewhere between April and June.

The update is due to bring Live Updates to a wide selection of the best Google Pixel phones as well as Android phones from other brands like Samsung and OnePlus. Of course, there’s much more on the way than a new style of notification – other keenly awaited Android 16 features include new camera tools and better app resizing for folding phones.

We’ll have the latest through our dedicated Android coverage, but for now, let us know what you’d like to see from Google’s next mobile operating system in the comments below.

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• Apple is apparently considering inserting ads into its Apple Maps app
• This would mirror a move taken by Google Maps and similar rivals
• It could result in a much worse user experience

Apple Maps was a buggy mess when it first launched, but in the years since it has become a genuine rival to Google Maps, and arguably outperforms it in some areas. But there are murmurings that it could soon adopt one of Google Maps’ worst features, and it’s made me worried for its future.

That’s because Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman believes Apple is considering inserting adverts into the Apple Maps app. This could mean that certain places get pushed to the top of search results within the app, an example being a local Wendy’s topping the list when you search for 'fries,' merely because it paid to be advertised this way.

Apple Maps wouldn’t be the first Apple app to come with built-in ads. The Stocks, News and App Store apps already contain adverts, and the company is pushing further into the commercials business with its expanding sports coverage.

It’s also not the first time that Apple has looked at inserting ads into Apple Maps. Gurman reported back in 2022 that the firm was looking at ways to integrate advertising into its navigation app, although little came of this. Now, it looks like Apple is returning to the idea in a more serious way.

Degrading your search results

A move like this sticks in the craw for a number of reasons. As an Apple user, I’m already paying a premium for hardware, so being served ads on top of that feels like I’m being nickel-and-dimed. As well as that, Apple is one of the most valuable and profitable companies in the world – does it really need to be degrading the user experience in order to squeeze even more money into its coffers?

I take some small comfort knowing that Apple is far more committed to user privacy than Google is. Apple takes certain steps to protect the information of people using the Maps app, such as assigning you a random identifier that only lasts for the duration of your session, making it impossible for Apple or a hacker to get a complete picture of any one person’s journeys. That makes me feel Apple would at least handle user privacy more stringently if it were to bring ads to Apple Maps.

But it doesn’t overcome my main problem with seeing ads in a mapping app. Apps like this aren’t just used for route planning – they’re used to find attractions and restaurants in your nearby area. You might want to find the best eatery near you, but if certain locations are being promoted to the top of the pile because they paid for the privilege, you could be pushed towards an inferior location and miss somewhere better that didn’t slip Apple a few shiny greenbacks. In other words, the playing field is being skewed away from the genuinely best results and towards those with the deepest pockets.

If I use an app like Apple Maps to find local attractions, I don’t want my screen to be crowded with questionable options when something better might end up being pushed out of sight. And while I’m assuming that Apple will respect user privacy based on its past behavior, that’s not a guarantee that the company will be quite so scrupulous when serious money is on the line.

I guess the good news is that I’ve become so accustomed to ignoring ads that I've already conditioned myself to scroll right past them in search results. But if Apple handles this move poorly, I might have to start looking for an alternative app.

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• Google Maps is testing the rollout of more incident reports
• These are weather-related options such as ‘flooded road’ or ‘low visibility’
• The growing library of incidents is a source of annoyance for some drivers

Google Maps is introducing new incident reporting options, fresh additions that pertain to weather-related conditions.

Android Police spotted these new kinds of report, and they include the likes of ‘flooded road’ for when there’s been a huge deluge of rain, or ‘low visibility’ for when it gets foggy. And indeed ‘unplowed road’ for when, well, you should probably turn around and find a plowed road that’s not wheel-deep in snow.

The site noticed these new options in Google Maps for Android Auto first off, and then in the iPhone app.

The not-so-great news for those keen on being able to benefit from a wider variety of untoward happenings being reported is that these new introductions have not yet made it to the Android version of Google Maps.

However, it surely won’t be long before the ability to report a flooded or snowed-up road arrives on Android.

Is an ever-growing library of incidents a good thing?

This is a continued expansion of the reporting of incidents in Google Maps, on top of clearly-labeled Waze reports being piped through alongside native reports since last year. There’s already a wide range of incidents that can be flagged, such as road traffic accidents, stalled cars, lanes being closed, speed traps, and so on.

Sometimes, these kind of alerts can be very useful, of course, and plenty of folks are grateful to have been warned of an incoming thorny issue on the road ahead.

However, not everyone is keen on being subject to more and more of these reports being highlighted in Google Maps – with complaints about them being too frequent only likely to multiply, as Google further expands the library of incidents that can be reported.

The problem is compounded by errant reports – incidents that aren’t there, or were resolved some time back – and there being no easy way to switch off said reports.

It looks like this is a road Google is insisting on driving down, though, despite the ‘stop’ signs being waved by some of the drivers who use its navigation app.

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• Google Maps and Apple Maps rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, and I am so confused
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I like to imagine someone swimming in the Gulf of Mexico when Google unceremoniously renamed it to the Gulf of America. There they are, backstroking across the pristine green and blue waters as the giant words float down from the sky and land on top of them. They're distressed and confused, quickly kick out from under the huge letters, pull out their iPhone, and open Bing Maps to switch it back to the Gulf of Mexico.

That's right, there's now technical disagreement on the name of a major body of water across map systems: Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Bing Maps.

Here's how it started:

Donald Trump takes the oath of Office as US President on January 21, 2025, and immediately announces his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, along with renaming Mount Denali back to Mount McKinley, and other geographic ambitions like annexing Canda, taking over Greenland, and reclaiming the Panama Canal.

While some of these ideas seemed far-fetched or ridiculous, Google soon announced it would be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico in Google Maps. As of February 10, 2025, the change is live on all versions of Google Maps that, at least, Americans can see.

While Apple's Maps initially showed no signs of changing its Maps labels and there were no public comments from Apple on its Gulf stance, there are already signs that it's getting in line. I've since confirmed with Apple that the change is on the way. An Apple spokesperson sent me this statement, "We’re implementing these changes globally, starting in the U.S. today [February 11, 2025]."

If you open Apple Maps right now in iOS 18, you may still see "Gulf of Mexico," but if you click on the label, the pop-up card lists the body of water as the "Gulf of America."

When I asked Google for comment, it pointed me to its original blog post announcing the change. What I wanted to know, though, was how Google made the decision and what technical hurdles exist when you're trying to region-set map labels for the world.

Someone is opening Google Maps somewhere in Mexico and still seeing "Gulf of Mexico." If they slide into the water and swim toward their American friend paddling near Texas, at what point does their Google Maps view change? Perhaps they'd consider switching to Apple Maps for a singular view of this 617,800 square mile, watery expanse.

Enter confusion

Google's choice is not without consequences. By so quickly acquiescing, does that mean that our US Google Maps experience becomes a moveable feast? Should we expect Mount Denali to switch over to McKinley (it's still Denali on Google Maps)? Will Google preemptively put an asterisk next to Canada or Granada? (*Label under interest of current US administration).

From a technical standpoint, I do wonder if those traveling from, say, the UK to the US for a holiday in the Gulf would find their Google Maps switching when they arrive in the States.

Since maps are now so changeable, perhaps Google (and Apple, too) can introduce some customization tools so we can all set our labeling preferences. I'd like to continue calling that water zone "The Gulf of Mexico." Can I set that somewhere? Right now, no, but the hard truths of cartography have gone wobbly, so anything is on the table.

Apple shifting, gradually

Apple's decision to go along with the White House's executive order is, perhaps, not that surprising considering that Apple CEO Tim Cook (along with other tech leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta CEO and Founder Mark Zuckerberg) was at Trump's inauguration. Apple was, it seems, planning to make the change, but, as with so many things, Apple wanted to do it on its own timeline.

What about the children?

For the first time, your choice of map apps might be less about features, utility, and turn-by-turn navigation and instead about which world view they share. If you were a fan of the Gulf of Mexico, you might now choose to go with the holdout Microsoft's Bing Maps, which, as of this writing, still has the location listed as the Gulf of Mexico but could soon change it, as well. If you like splashing America's name as far and wide as possible, you might stick with Apple and Google Maps.

As for those new to mapping, like school-age kids, this split might present a problem, especially if two major maps cannot agree on the name of one of the largest bodies of water in the world. I wonder how teachers will try and likely fail to explain away the confusion.

The great thing about digital maps is that they dispelled the confusion of old maps that could only show so much detail and eventually fell apart in your hands; your phone and its maps app are a world of accurate navigational information in your pocket. But now that trust is a bit fractured. One map might give you accurate directions to the Gulf of Mexico, and the other could confuse you by switching it to the Gulf of America and simply assume you're up to speed.

What a mess.

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• Google Maps is celebrating its 20th birthday
• These are some of the most popular spots and locations in its history
• Google has also shared some handy tips and tricks

Happy birthday, Google Maps: the venerable app has turned 20, and to celebrate, Google has listed some of the most popular places on its maps, as well as sharing a bunch of Google Maps tips and tricks that you might not have come across before.

The list of "some of the most-reviewed and most-photographed places" on Google Maps over the last couple of decades include restaurants, parks, monuments, museums, castles, and more – from Hard Eight BBQ in Texas to Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Google has also shared some of the locations most popular in Immersive View on Google Maps, where you can actually see ground-level photography around and inside places: the Eiffel Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Ben, and the Griffith Observatory are included.

At the end of the round-up there are also some funny Street View photobombs, featuring animals snapped by the Street View cameras. The list is well worth checking out in full – see how many spots you've visited, and how many you could plan to see in the future.

Leave a tip

Continuing the birthday celebrations, Google has shared a list of 20 things you didn't know you could do with Google Maps. If you did already know about any of these tips and tricks, you can consider yourself above average when it comes to tech knowledge.

A couple that caught our eye are the recently added Gemini AI integration that we previously reported on, and the air quality report you can find for wherever you're traveling to – tap on the layers icon (top right corner) to find it.

Google also mentions the offline maps feature (tap your profile picture then Offline maps in the mobile app), and the lists feature that lets you bookmark destinations and share them with others – switch to the You tab in the app to find your lists.

Here's a bonus tip Google doesn't mention: if you're using your phone with one hand, you can still zoom in and out of the map by double-tapping on it, then sliding your finger or thumb up and down. You're welcome.

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• Hidden code points to another Gemini and Google Maps integration
• You'll be able to ask Gemini about places on the map
• There's no official word on when the feature will actually go live

We've seen a smattering of Gemini AI features added to Google Maps so far, and it looks as though another integration is on the way: a pop-up option to ask the AI model about any location you're looking at on a map.

The feature isn't live yet, but code for it was spotted by Android Authority in the latest version of Google Maps for Android. If you invoke Gemini with a place selected in Google Maps, you'll see an Ask about place button above the standard search box.

Tap that button, and the location reference is appended to your Gemini search – so you can ask the AI what type of place it is, how to drive there, whether or not it's suitable for families, what its history is, or anything else you like.

It's the latest in a series of contextual 'chips' that have been added to the Gemini assistant, which try and anticipate what you're going to search for – you might see a chip displaying Ask about screen or Ask about video, for example, depending on what you're looking at.

Gemini's rapid expansion

There's no official word on when this extra Google Maps functionality might go live, but considering the code is in place, it shouldn't take too long to appear. It's the latest example of Gemini getting its hooks deeper into apps from Google and other developers.

In recent months we've seen updates enabling Google Gemini to take more control of your smart home, see what's on your phone screen, and summarize your messages in Google Chat so you don't have to read through every single one.

Updates are also appearing across apps for photos, music, phone calls, and weather, with extensions linking the AI bot into apps such as Spotify and WhatsApp. It looks as though the influence and reach of Gemini will grow and grow.

This is all happening while the tricky issue of AI hallucinations remains a problem: let's hope Gemini doesn't give users any false information about tourist hotspots, famous landmarks, or local coffee shops (maybe double-check the details, just to be sure).

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• As promised, Google Maps support has now been added
• The first Galaxy S25 preorders are being shipped out to customers

As our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review will tell you, Samsung's latest flagship phones come packed with AI features, such as the useful Now Bar that gives you live updates from apps in real time – and that feature has just got Google Maps support.

The new Google Maps support was spotted by early adopters including @theonecid (via Neowin), and means you'll be able to see how far you are from your destination and the directions you need to take, even if you're using another app.

Samsung has only just started sending out the first preordered Galaxy S25 handsets to customers, but if and when you get your hands on one, make sure you're running the latest version of Android and the latest version of Google Maps to see the live activities.

We had previously heard that Google Maps support would be on the way at the Samsung Galaxy S25 launch event, so it's pleasing to see that Google and Samsung have rolled out a compatibility update so quickly – and let's hope many more apps follow suit, to make full use of the Now Bar's potential.

Looks familiar

The Now Bar is part of the One UI 7 update that Samsung has been working on, which is based on Android 15. Having launched alongside the Galaxy S25 phones, the software should be made available for older handsets in the coming months (it's already available in beta form for other Galaxy phones).

It's quite an obvious copy of the Live Activities feature added to iPhones back in 2022 with iOS 16, and in some respects the Now Bar mimics the same functionality you get from the Dynamic Island on the latest Apple smartphones.

Even if it's not the most original of features, it's still helpful to have. Other apps the Now Bar works with right now include Bixby, Clock, Emergency Sharing, Google (for sports cores), Interpreter, Samsung Health, Samsung Notes, and Voice Recorder.

The Now Bar also works with the lock screen and the always-on display, which means you can get constant updates from Google Maps – which are currently shown in a persistent notification on Android that's not quite as easy to access.

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• Workaround requires closing the search bar, which is irritating and distracting

Google has recently updated its Google Maps software on vehicle head units and infotainment systems that are compatible with Android Auto, and it has forced some users to hit the forums and chatrooms to express their displeasure.

Not to be confused with Android Automotive, the operating system a growing number of vehicle manufacturers are installing natively on recent models, Android Auto allows for certain apps housed on Android smartphones to be mirrored on an infotainment system or an aftermarket head unit.

A recent software update to the smartphone app now means the Maps application defaults to a centered view when a destination hasn’t been selected. Google’s suggested ‘Destinations’ box takes up most of the screen real estate.

This large, obtrusive black box (see this Reddit post) takes up most of the screen's top right quadrant, diminishing the number of streets and nearby points of interest that drivers can see when casually cruising rather than navigating to a destination.

This box can be collapsed with a prod of the finger, but it’s not a permanent action, meaning drivers have to take their eyes off the road to remove it... every time they drive.

A Reddit post by a disgruntled user (via Android Authority) has already garnered well over 130 comments, with folks stating that they have transitioned to Waze because “that Search monstrosity taking up 1/4 of the screen is brutal,” according to one Redditor.

It’s also worth noting that many Google Maps users probably won’t even notice the change. They are either navigating to a set destination (the Search Box disappears in this mode) or not paying attention to the digital maps anyway because they either know the way or are simply enjoying the drive.

Regardless, it will be difficult for Google to ignore the backlash, and it will likely address the issue in future updates.

Analysis: Smaller screens suffer

The screen grab accompanying the Reddit user’s post shows a very small, fairly low-resolution infotainment head unit, which is likely exacerbating the situation.

Many vehicles launched in the past few years have predominantly been sold with much larger screens, allowing Google Maps more room to display more information.

Run Maps on an Android Automotive-powered system found in a Renault or Volvo, and there’s enough screen real estate left over to run several other applications simultaneously.

It seems Google may have overlooked the fact that not everyone can afford a 12-inch touchscreen display that’s powered by the latest Snapdragon processors. Afterall, most of us mere mortals forced to retrofit smaller aftermarket head units in order to modernize an older vehicle.

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• Google has released the 2024 Timeline update, a Spotify Wrapped-style recap for Google Maps
• The recap uses location data to list the countries, cities, and places you visited in 2024
• You can also check out how much time you spent on certain activities

Google is rolling out a recap of users' travel history across 2024, using Google Maps’ timeline history function to produce a Spotify Wrapped-style recap of each user’s journeys, trips away, and total distance traveled.

Somewhat flavorlessly titled the “2024 Timeline update”, the recap allows users to review their travels over the past year as recorded by the timeline history feature found in the Google Maps app.

The recap, shared via Gmail, recounts the number of countries, cities, and individual places visited, with photos taken from the internet used to illustrate your chosen locales.

It also presents charts detailing the amount of distance covered by walking and driving, and uses your location history to estimate how much time you spent on various activities, like shopping and dining.

For those unsatisfied with pedestrian units of measurement like miles and kilometers, the recap also tells you your total distance traveled as a multiple of the circumference of the Earth.

The recap is, well, capped off with a smaller graphic containing your all-time stats for countries and cities visited, so you can see just how much you added this past year.

We previously reported that Google had begun preparing users for changes to its timeline history feature, such as moving this data from the cloud to specific devices and automatically deleting it after three months. This also means location data will not be shared between devices going forwards.

As Android Police reports, having auto-delete switched on will affect the amount of information shown in the 2024 Timeline update.

The Google Maps 2024 Timeline update is available now. For the latest news on Google’s mobile apps and operating system, check out our Android coverage, and for all things mobile be sure to check out our general phones coverage.

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• It brings Apple Maps closer to Google Maps in terms of features

Apple Maps and Google Maps have been rivals for years, and each one can lay claim to doing certain things better than the other. Both services let you view maps from a pedestrian’s perspective, but until now Apple’s version has been limited to the Apple Maps app, not its web view (which launched in July 2024). With the latest update, though, that’s all changing.

As noted by Chris Carley on Threads (via 9to5Mac), you can now get Apple’s Street View rival (called Look Around) when using Apple Maps in any of the best web browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. According to 9to5Mac, this feature was likely added around December 11.

Look Around lets you take a street-level look at any area that’s covered, moving the view around 360 degrees and moving up and down along streets and paths. It’s currently available in the US, Canada, UK, the European Union, Australia, Japan, and a handful of other locations. Apple has a full list of its available locations on its website.

Breaking free of Apple’s apps

With Look Around now supported in browsers, you’re no longer limited to using the feature on Apple devices. Previously, you needed to have the Apple Maps app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, but now that you can access it from a browser you can use Look Around from a Windows PC if you want to (although it still doesn’t work on any of the best Android phones).

That could help make Look Around a much more popular feature, as it won’t be dependent on the user having an Apple device. Instead, anyone can now use it, provided they have a compatible web browser.

Carley added that the web version of Look Around doesn’t appear to have the parallax effect (whereby background objects appear to move more slowly relative to your viewpoint than foreground ones) that can be seen when moving the view around in the iOS and macOS versions. This effect does seem to work when you move forward or backwards in Look Around, however, and it seems probable that Apple will update the web view to bring this in line with its app versions of Apple Maps.

Apple Maps’ web view is currently in beta, and many features – like transit maps, viewing 3D buildings, and signing in and saving locations, are unavailable. But with addition of Look Around, you’ve just got another reason to switch over from Google Maps.

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• The great Google Maps Timeline switch deadline has been extended
• It keeps Timeline data exclusively on your smartphone
• Google gives you control over how long your data is saved for

Earlier this year Google announced that its Google Maps Timeline feature – which tracks where you go, over time – would be only available on phones in the future, with the web portal scheduled to be shut down near the end of 2024. Now it seems you've got a bit longer to switch over, if you want to keep your data.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Android Police, and others, a significant number of users are getting emails and on-screen alerts mentioning a deadline of June 9, 2025. If you want to keep the Timeline data you've got stored in the cloud after that date, you need to move it to your Android or iOS phone before the deadline.

However, that revised date may not be the same for everyone: on my phone, I'm getting a message that sets a deadline of April 6, 2025. Previously, Google has said that users get "approximately six months" from their first notification about this to move over, so it may depend on if you've already been warned.

To be sure, load up Google Maps on your phone, tap your account picture (top right), then choose Your Timeline. If you do want to keep your data on your phone going forward, you'll be taken step-by-step through the process. At the same time, you can select how long Timeline data is saved for.

What's going on?

For years, Google has offered an optional Location History feature that tracks your comings and goings via your phone. The Timeline – available via the Google Maps apps and website – has been the user-facing part of Location History, letting you go back in time to see visited places and trips taken for any specific day, week, or month.

While some users are understandably reticent to let Google keep that much information, Timeline appears to be pretty popular: people use it to relive vacations and road trips, find that coffee shop they really liked that they visited two years ago, and to make sure their travel expenses are in order, for example.

The changes now underway mean Timeline data won't be stored in the cloud or available on the web any more – it'll just be on your phone. Google hasn't said too much about the reasons why, but presumably privacy and data security are the main ones. In addition, Location History (including settings for deleting older data) is fully folding into Timeline.

While encrypted backups will still enable users to move Timeline data between devices in the future (for new phone upgrades, for example), the shift will be inconvenient for those who liked to explore their travel history through Google Maps on the web, or who had several different devices contributing to it.

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• Google Maps is now showing incident reports from Waze drivers
• This follows the roll-out of traffic reporting features within Google Maps
• There is evidence that not all Maps users are enjoying incident alerts

One of the hallmark features of the Google-owned Waze is its community-driven traffic incident alerts, which have traditionally been kept separate from Google Maps. But that's starting to change, with some Google Maps users seeing the rollout of Waze traffic alerts within the app.

On the Google Maps subreddit (via Android Police), some Maps users have reported seeing alerts like "police reported ahead" from Waze drivers. This feature was announced by Google back in July, but appears to be getting a wider rollout – just in time for the holiday driving season.

Google Maps has been asking drivers via pop-up messages to provide updates on traffic incidents for several months now, but these alerts provided directly "from Waze drivers" are new. The other types of incidents include lane closures, nearby construction and more – basically anything that could throw a spanner into your carefully-chosen travel plans.

Google rolled out its incident-reporting alerts globally on Android and iOS, along with Android Auto and CarPlay, so these Waze alerts will likely do the same over the coming months. The only issue is that not everyone is a fan of community-driven incident reports and there isn't a simple way to turn them off...

Is Google merging Waze and Maps?

Google Maps appears to be slowly absorbing a number of features from Waze, which has traditionally been the more proactive, community-driven option for helping you avoid live incidents and situations. So will Google continue to keep the apps separate?

It certainly seems that way, for now. Back in 2022, Google combined the Maps and Waze teams, but in a statement reassured fans of the latter that it "remains deeply committed to Waze's unique brand, its beloved app and its thriving community of volunteers and users".

Of course, that was almost two years ago, and Google certainly isn't shy about folding acquired apps with a thriving communities into its own products – just ask disgruntled Fitbit fans. But Google will also be wary about making big, unpopular changes to Maps, which is far more than a navigational aid for drivers.

There is growing evidence on Google Maps' forums and Reddit threads that many drivers aren't happy with the growing number of incident alert pop-ups, whether from Google Maps or Waze, with some finding them distracting or too frequent.

So it seems there are good reasons for Google to continue to keep the apps separate, even as their feature sets increasingly cross over. Whether Google will continue to do that, or makes a somewhat characteristic U-turn, remains unclear.

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Update (15/11): This report originally suggested Timeline data would be erased by the end of 2024, but Google has since clarified that users will have longer to back up their data.

A Google spokesperson said: "As we shared in our blog post, this update is rolling out gradually. This means people will see different deletion deadlines, approximately six months from when they were first notified about this change to their account."

We have updated the copy below to reflect this information, and recommend backing up Timeline data within six months of any relevant email messages from Google.

• Timeline, the journey and location tracking function of Google Maps, will soon switch to local storage
• Google will delete all Timeline data older than 3 months by default
• The official solution is deleting data for some users

Google is gearing up to implement changes to its location-tracking Maps feature that will see users’ previous location history erased unless quick action is taken.

As we previously reported, in December 2023 Google announced that location history gathered via the Timeline feature built into the Google Maps app would be moved from cloud storage to on-device storage by the end of 2024.

By default, this change will download the most recent three months of a user’s Timeline history to their device, erasing the rest forever.

Google confirmed to TechRadar that users will have approximately six months from the moment of notification until any data is deleted, with users informed via their Gmail account.

However, mixed reports have emerged that suggest an earlier deadline - Android Authority reports, some users have received emails instructing them to take action by November 19 to save their Timeline data.

What is Google Maps Timeline?

Google Maps Timeline is a feature built into Google Maps that allows users to track their location history as a line across the map. You can think of it as GPS in reverse, plotting a course of where the user has been.

The feature was first introduced in 2015 before making its way to iOS in 2017, meaning some users may have almost a decade’s worth of location history saved to the cloud.

Beyond the sentimental value of plotting your life's journey, Google can (with consent) use Timeline data to assess the effectiveness of advertising.

Google Maps Timeline currently syncs across devices over the internet, but it will effectively become device-specific with the upcoming changes.

How do I stop my Google Maps Timeline data from being deleted?

If you want to back up your Google Maps Timeline data, the email sent to users should contain a link allowing you to keep your data beyond the previous three months.

However, some users have reported that this link has wiped their location history entirely, so proceed with caution.

Luckily, you can save this data using something called a Google Takeout and circumvent Google’s email entirely. Head over to takeout.google.com, untick everything except Location History (Timeline), click Next step, and then Create export.

We will of course update this article if more information, or any fixes, regarding this potential bug come to light.

The impending change to Google Maps Timeline is the latest in Google’s slow move from free cloud services to either cloud-based subscriptions or on-device features.

Google Photos famously ended its free unlimited storage option in 2021, and Google subsidiary YouTube has either considered or committed to making features like video queueing and 4K playback exclusive to its Premium subscription.

Nevertheless, most users will simply want to save their data and move on – though we don’t have an estimate for how much storage space Timeline will take up yet.

For the latest updates as we hear them, be sure to keep up with our phones coverage.

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• Google has revealed an experimental travel feature called Talking Tours
• It provides AI-generated commentary on over 50 locations
• You can try it out in the Google Arts & Culture app or website

Google made it pretty clear with its recent Google Maps upgrades that it wants to be your virtual tour guide – and a new Talking Tours experiment takes those ambitions to the next level.

Found in Google's Arts & Culture app for iOS and Android (you can also try it online), the Talking Tours feature gives you AI-generated commentary on big landmarks for 55 locations around the world.

But what makes it feel like a glimpse of the future of walking tours is the ability to let you look around a 360-degree panorama, take a snap, and then have the AI feed you information about what's in the scene.

Naturally, the audio guides are restricted to major tourist locations like the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. We tested it on one of London's three locations and it did a solid, if fairly basic, job of filling us in on the scene around the London Eye.

For this "first experimentation", Google says it worked with a "small selection of partners and cultural sites", with "more to be added in the future". But the use of AI-generated audio means it could potentially be scaled very quickly and become a handy free travel resource in the future – if Google doesn't send it to the Google Graveyard.

Just add AR glasses

Our early tests with Talking Tours show it currently isn't yet close to being a replacement for a real city walking tour guide – and likely won't ever match the human touch or anecdotes of an experienced pro.

But it is also a glimpse of the kind of free travel advice that isn't too far away. Combine a more advanced version of its AR-generated commentary with the smart glasses that the Google Play Store appears to be gearing up for and you could have a very useful, free city break assistant with knowledge of virtually anything you're looking at.

In our quick play, the Talking Tours' knowledge of the London Eye was fairly basic, but after we spun around to take a 'snap' (inside Street View) of the river, it recognized the boat and filled us in on the benefits of the city's riverboat cruises.

Google has previously dabbled with offering city guides in the likes of Google Lens and Google Earth, but the combination of computer vision and AI-generated commentary means the feature is potentially far more scalable – and Talking Tours could be our first taste of that future.

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Google Maps is becoming more of a tour guide thanks to Google’s Gemini AI models. The AI assistant will offer suggestions for places to visit, sum up reviews, and answer your questions about locations from the Maps app on Android and iOS devices in the U.S., based on insights culled from data about millions of locations worldwide. The update shows that Google's infusion of Gemini AI across its services, especially on mobile devices, is accelerating, as Google Maps sees more than 2 billion users a month and is updated 100 million times a day.

The most notable update melds Google Maps with Gemini's flexible conversational interface to provide ideas for places to go based on your queries. You might ask for family-friendly spots to visit on a Saturday or cheap restaurants to eat at that are near a concert you're attending at night. Gemini will sort through data from Google Maps to curate recommendations.

The idea is that Gemini will not only have a list of spots but AI-generated information that goes as deep as you want it to. That's why Gemini will also summarize reviews of locations you're interested in. Instead of scrolling through what people have said, you can see a Gemini-written composite that spotlights elements, good and bad that reviewers have highlighted. Google suggests this will speed up decision-making as it is a more concise snapshot of how people feel about a place.

AI guidance

Should the review summary not be enough, Google Maps is also leveraging Gemini to answer your specific questions about a location. You can ask about any facet of a venue, whether factual, like its opening time, or more opinion-based, like how people feel about the atmosphere. Gemini will dive into the information available from the location and people's reviews to answer. The response will also use Gemini to be conversational, even throwing in extra details you might not have asked for but that are relevant to your initial question. This feature won't be limited to Maps for long, either, according to Google.

"All of these features are made possible thanks to Gemini’s powerful creation, reasoning, and summarization capabilities — grounded in our trusted data about 250 million places around the world and insights from the Maps community," Google wrote in a blog post. "You’ll also see similar experiences in the coming months on Search — including AI-powered review summaries and the option to ask detailed questions about places."

The Gemini AI upgrades complement several other new Google Maps tools now rolling out. You can now use the app to look at route stops before you leave, see detailed visual navigation guides for when an intersection has complex entrances and exits, and even see weather disruptions along your route as they develop. Google Maps is also taking up a more holistic approach to managing your arrival, showing parking spots, and walking directions to the entrance of your destination.

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The Android Automotive operating system is rapidly becoming the carmakers’ infotainment platform of choice, but Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM is about to introduce the connected experience to its motorcycle line-up for the first time.

Highlighting two new TFT displays, complete with new switchgear to operate them, KTM claims it's been exploring ways to make the Human Machine Interface (HMI) more immersive, providing more information without distracting the rider.

Despite the fact that some motorcycle manufacturers have already embraced Android Auto and Apple CarPlay screen mirroring, such as Honda, Indian and Harley-Davidson on their respective cruiser models, this is the first time a manufacturer has taken the next step and fully baked in the Android Automotive platform.

This means the likes of Google Maps comes pre-loaded into the system, while an eSIM and GPS technology allows riders to navigate directly form the dashboard, without the requirement of tethering a smartphone.

KTM’s V80 (vertical 8-inch) and H88 (horizontal 8.8-inch) touchscreen displays have been designed for easy operation with gloved hands, while a customizable layout allows the rider to split the screen according to their preference.

The company also states that it has introduced a revised CCU3.0 (Connectivity Control Unit) connectivity unit with 32GB of storage and 3GB RAM, which will let you save offline playlists and synchronize phone contacts, for example.

This new control unit also ensures seamless reconnection with a paired smartphone on every ignition cycle, allowing riders to pick up where they left off or navigate via a smartphone and then send routing to the infotainment system.

There is no definitive word on a release date for the technology, with KTM stating it will initially be rolled out on its ‘premium’ models, which we would expect to include the likes of the Super Adventure and Super Duke GT range.

Analysis: Taking the stress out of touring

As with the many automakers using Android Automotive, such as Renault, Volvo and Ford, KTM’s newest operating system is designed retain the company’s branding and general feel, but also allow access to a selection of built-in Google-approved apps.

However, there is no mention of access to the wider Google Play store, nor is there any official note on the sort of apps that riders will be able to download and use natively on both the V80 and H88 systems.

This is compounded by the fact that none of the images accompanying the official press release show any third-party apps in action, so we will have to assume that a number of these are still being signed off for use on a motorcycle.

Regardless, KTM's system opens up more possibilities for riders covering big distances to pair Bluetooth headphone and speaker systems to enjoy audio or communicate with a pillion passenger. Riders will also be able to navigate using their favored route-planning tool, such as Waze or bike-specific services like Rever, Detecht and Calimoto, without the need to pair a phone.

While it's nice to experience the open road and get well and truly lost on two wheels, sometimes it's also good to get to a destination without the need to constantly check a smartphone.

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There are some major updates to Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth to know about – and the new and upgraded features should prove helpful in all kinds of ways for users of Google's mapping tools.

The updates are outlined in a blog post by Google, and first up we've got the addition of historical imagery on Google Earth, going back as far as 80 years in some places. Some of this imagery has previously been available in the paid-for, Pro version of the software, but it's now going to be accessible for all users across the web and mobile.

"Maybe you want to travel back in time and see what your neighborhood looked like decades ago," explains Stafford Marquardt, a senior product manager at Google Maps. "Or you want to understand how forests have been affected by human activity and the changing climate."

Certain cities, including London, Berlin, Warsaw, and Paris, now offer satellite imagery stretching back to the 1930s – making it possible to get a detailed look at how these places have evolved and adapted over the decades.

More Street View imagery

In Google Maps, there's going to be expanded Street View imagery across 80 countries – with some of those countries getting Street View pictures for the first time. What's more, Google says even more places will be getting Street View in the future.

The example photos included in Google's blog post cover Iceland, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Tasmania, Japan, Denmark, and France. According to Google, it's one of the most significant updates to Street View in its history (it launched back in 2007), and the total number of images now exceeds 280 billion.

And finally in this round of updates, Google says it's "sharpening" satellite imagery across Google Earth and Google Maps. With a little help from AI, new cloud removal tools have been applied to reveal more of the globe than ever before, giving you "a refreshed global mosaic that gives you a clearer, more accurate look at Earth".

If you're not already seeing the updates to Google Earth and Google Maps on your device, they should show up soon. We saw another update earlier this week, when Google Maps improved its lane navigation interface on Android Auto.

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Many people use Google Maps to find out more information about local businesses, and a key feature of this is the Google Maps rating system. Now, Google appears to be taking steps to make its reviews more trustworthy, and warn users if it’s detected and removed fake reviews from its platform.

The change was spotted by Mike Blumenthal on X (formerly Twitter), who posted a screenshot of a local business entry in Google Maps that came with a warning that read: “Suspected fake reviews were recently removed from this place.” This particular company is based in the UK, and it’s not known where else these warnings can be seen.

According to Google’s Business Profile policy, a company that violates Google’s rules on fake engagement (including by posting or receiving fake reviews) can be restricted in a few different ways:

• The business “will not be able to receive new reviews or ratings for set period of time”
• Its existing reviews could be unpublished for a set period of time
• Its profile will display a warning to users about the removal of fake reviews, similar to the one mentioned above

Businesses will be able to appeal Google’s actions, but it’s likely that the warnings about fake reviews will remain in place while that appeal process is ongoing.

Detecting deception

Fake reviews can be used to maliciously tarnish a company’s reputation or to artificially boost a company's standing, and that means Google’s restrictions can be used to either punish or protect a business that has received fake reviews. Regardless, fake reviews mean users can be misled as to the reputation and quality of a business, and that’s not good for anyone.

By displaying these warnings, Google is being a little more transparent about the issue of fake reviews. After all, if a company used fake reviews to increase its rating and reputation, and Google then removed the offending reviews without leaving a trace or warning, users would be in the dark as to that business’s shady practices. By notifying you that fake reviews have been removed, Google is letting you know that something fishy has been going on with that business.

That said, Google’s warning doesn’t say whether the offending reviews were positive or negative, so you might be led to the conclusion that a business has been artificially bolstering its own standing when in actuality it was the victim of a malicious review campaign.

That suggests that there are still improvements that could be made to Google’s policy. Still, providing more information to users about fake reviews is certainly a step in the right direction, and could help to make your Google Maps experience a little more informative.

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Sometimes it's the small changes that are the most useful, and an update being pushed out to Google Maps and Android Auto could well be a case in point: navigation is being updated to improve lane guidance when you're driving.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the update has been rolled out without much fanfare, and expands the lane guidance panel that pops up at the top of the screen – the white arrows that show up on a green background when multiple lanes are involved.

That panel has now been expanded so it's easier to see the arrows, and how many lanes you're dealing with. As long as you're currently navigating to a destination, you'll be put in the right lane for your next turn or exit.

It's nothing major, but it means a better user experience for one of the trickier aspects of navigating around in a vehicle – especially when you're in an unfamiliar city, with traffic all around you that does seem to know which lane is which.

More Google Maps enhancements

Google has been pushing out a steady trickle of upgrades in recent months – sometimes alongside an official announcement of the changes, and sometimes not. It still seems to be a priority for Google (though perhaps not as much as artificial intelligence).

Back in May, updates were rolled out that made it easier for drivers to find electric vehicle charging stations, and improved how roads were highlighted in searches – giving users a better idea of the layout and the context on the map.

Then in July, the Google Maps app was upgraded to show more information about suitable parking spots near a destination, and better directions to those parking spots. Like lane changing, finding parking is often one of the more stressful parts of driving.

Other minor tweaks we've seen recently include a redesign for the pins that mark spots on the map, plus glanceable directions that show up on the lock screen of Android phones and iPhones so you can carry on navigating.

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Leading dash cam brand Miofive has announced its new and completely free speed camera app, Miofive UK Speedcam.

The app provides real-time alerts for any type of speed camera on the roads around you, including fixed, red-light and average speed cameras, whether that's on residential streets or motorways.

As its name suggests, the app is designed to keep road users in the UK informed, alert and protected, and it's available for iOS and Android, with no subscription needed.

Key features of the Miofive UK Speedcam app include comprehensive camera alerts, with up-to-date information about speed camera locations, plus Google Maps integration with an advanced alert system.

Miofive UK Speedcam app can operate in the background and includes a picture-in-picture (PIP) mode that allows users to view the alerts while using other apps, without disruption.

Miofive makes dash cams including the Miofive S1, which we rate as one of the best dash cams for under £100, plus the superb-value Miofive Dual Dash Cam.

That Miofive is extending some features previously reserved for its dash cams to anyone for free is to be commended.

Android users can download the app on the Google Play Store, while iOS users can find it on the Apple Store. We look forward to giving the app a spin.

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Google has announced that Wear OS smartwatches are getting offline Google Maps support – which means you can sync maps to your wrist to get directions and information even if there's no connected phone or internet access available.

The new feature, announced via a blog post, means Google Maps on a watch can now function in a similar way to Google Maps on a phone or tablet: offline maps saved locally can be loaded up when there's no connection to the web.

This does mean you miss out on real-time information on traffic conditions, but most of the standard Google Maps functions are still available. You can, for example, get walking directions from one spot to another just as you would normally.

Google doesn't specify which watches this will work on, so we're assuming it's more modern Wear OS devices. It looks as though some models, including the Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3, and the Galaxy Watch 4, have already received the necessary update.

How to use offline maps

When the update reaches your Wear OS device, you should see a message the next time you open up Google Maps on your watch: "Offline maps on the phone are auto-downloaded to the watch."

It seems that a map for your home area (if you've got a home location set) is automatically downloaded to Wear OS, and maps you've saved through Google Maps for Android should also automatically sync across to your wrist – in the app on your phone, tap your profile picture (top right), then Offline maps to get started. 

In the Google Maps for Wear OS menu, alongside recent locations and a link to the app settings, there should be a new Offline maps option, too. Tap on this to see what's been saved and to delete map regions if necessary.

The process of using the map should be more or less the same, with Google Maps falling back to using the map tiles stored locally when it needs to. It means Wear OS currently beats the best Apple Watches in this area for now, though more offline features are coming to Apple Maps on the Apple Watch with watchOS 11.

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If you feel like there’s something slightly different about Google Maps at the moment, you’re not imagining it – Google has redesigned the pins used in Maps to highlight restaurants, beaches, and other attractions, giving many of them a new shape and set of colors. While the change is subtle, it’s hard to miss once you notice it.

Previously, pins on Google Maps would have a tall, narrow stem that came to a sharp point on the pinned location. The color of the pin, meanwhile, was uniform along its whole length. Now, though, that’s all changed. Pins are much shorter and come to a thick, rounded point at the bottom. Each pin uses a white background, with its icon sitting inside a colored circle within the pin itself.

This change brings pins in line with other Google Maps accoutrements, such as stars, flags and hearts. While they’re not quite the same – these elements are fully circular, without a pin shape on their bottom edges – they all now feature icons inside colored circles, with a white border around the outer edge. That makes the app a lot more uniform in terms of how its visual elements look – if anything, the old pin design stuck out like a sore thumb – although it might make it a little harder to distinguish pins from the other on-screen items, especially if you’re looking at a particularly busy area.

Elsewhere, some pin types have had their colors adjusted. Museums, for example, now come in purple instead of teal. Dropped pins – that is, ones you create yourself – were also still using the old, pointed design at the time of writing.

A small but noticeable tweak

This isn't the only change Google has rolled out in recent weeks. At the end of July, the search giant changed the look of Google Maps’ bottom bar within the mobile app, removing a few items to present a simpler view. It’s also brought improved parking assistance to the app, as well as augmented reality views of historic landmarks.

And last year, Google Maps’ entire look got a major makeover, with new colors being used that broke with the long-standing color scheme of the app. That change proved to be divisive, with some users complaining that it made the app more difficult to use.

It’s unlikely that the new pin design will stir up quite so much ire, given that it only affects one small aspect of the experience. One reason for the change could be that it might allow Google Maps to fit more pins on the screen at once, as the new pin design is a touch more compact than the old look.

Since this appears to be a server-side change, you shouldn’t need to update your app to see the new pin design – just fire up Google Maps and take a look.

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