The new Shortcuts feature allows users to select their top four choices from the myriad of 14 quick actions. The old version of Google Maps listed four default quick actions which were, Satellite, Traffic, Train Routes and Download Area.
The update shows three pre-selected options along with an ‘Add More’ button, where users can customise one more quick action into the shortcuts tab.
Aside from the pre-listed options, some other choices are Food Nearby, Route Planner, Your Timeline, Your Place and Start Driving, which show up in the left-side corner hamburger menu in case users don’t want to add it to their shortcuts.
Earlier this month, Google Maps had rolled another new feature for their app called Plus codes. These codes are meant to make finding locations easier with a ‘6-character code+city’ format. When users put that code into the app or on Google, it will show them the precise location without having to know the full address.
In the middle of nowhere? Put a pin on it. Introducing Plus Codes on Google Maps, a simple, consistent addressing system. pic.twitter.com/w6X80Pmq0cMarch 13, 2018
In other updates, multiple language search was also added to Google Maps. Users can now search Maps in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati and Malayalam.
दिल चाहता है a navigation guide who's a pro with the local language? Choose between 7 different Indian languages for voice navigation, with Google Maps. pic.twitter.com/3V5aHmNQgPMarch 13, 2018
Additionally, they introduced ‘Smart Address Search’ and ‘Add Address’ options so that people can add missing locations onto the app and search the general area for their destination if they don’t have the precise address.
Waiting for a package but the delivery guy is going around in circles? Share your Plus Code using Google Maps, and never miss a delivery. pic.twitter.com/OxaYfX7yQnMarch 13, 2018
As of now, only a select few users have access to the 'Your Shortcuts' feature, even within India. But, it’s expected that it will roll out to more users in the coming weeks.