Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing in 2024?

I am from the center era and nonetheless bear in mind the print map mission instructions however have entry to

flip by flip app
earlier than leaving faculty. As a long-time iPhone consumer, I’ve lengthy defaulted to

apple map
. However after a number of delays with Apple Maps lane change warnings, I have been attempting different navigation apps. Primarily,

Google Maps
.

Google Maps was launched again in 2005

Waze
Lengthy earlier than Apple Maps. Which means that Google Maps is even older than the primary iPhone. Nonetheless, Google Maps has matured and developed within the smartphone age in a method that few packages initially designed for desktop computer systems have.

Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing in 2024? Steady updates to Google Maps, navigation past driving, native options, and extra instruments hold this navigation app related because it approaches its twentieth anniversary.

Google Maps

The app is sort of 20 years previous and stays aggressive with the most recent software program, an important interface and Google search engine integration.

Google Maps retains getting new options

AI-based software program and instantaneous updates make apps really feel new, not 20

Google

Google Maps on my iPhone is a far cry from the unique software program, which was extra like Map Quest. Whereas the essential performance of navigating from one place to a different stays roughly the identical, the tempo of updates has made Google Maps one of many extra feature-rich choices. Lately, the app has gained plenty of

Synthetic intelligence-based options
. Google Lens in Maps will can help you use your digital camera as a tour information of what you are seeing in entrance of you. Now you may search Maps identical to you search Google, for instance, asking for “issues to do” as an alternative of typing within the title of a selected place.

Nonetheless, software program updates apart, Maps continues to be fairly good at updating on the fly to search out various routes and keep away from hazards like highway closures, building, and accidents. Google Maps will not be as well-known for its up-to-the-minute visitors updates as fellow Google-owned Waze, nevertheless it nonetheless tends to warn me about visitors slowdowns steadily. I additionally like how the consumer interface in CarPlay visually marks the route with an ETA just like what I’d get when driving.

Google Maps provides a easy interface in CarPlay

Present up-to-date, easy-to-follow directions and allow distraction-free driving

After attempting Google Maps as a substitute for Apple Maps, one of many causes I proceed to make use of it’s the method the app shows

Apple CarPlay
. Sure, cell apps could be a little complicated. However in comparison with Apple Maps, I want the way in which Google Maps are displayed in CarPlay as a result of an important data is on the display. As I drive, various routes with related ETAs are highlighted, so I can merely open one of many different highlighted choices to vary the way in which I drive.

Google Maps additionally retains my most used controls on the display. Chief amongst them is the mute button. As soon as I discovered the place I used to be, I did not need the sound to interrupt my music. Google Maps’ mute button is within the nook of the display, whereas Apple Maps requires a number of clicks.

Google Maps helps me navigate exterior my automobile and even indoor areas

Important for individuals who do not know the instructions

Navigation apps assist me fake I am not chronically directionally challenged, however they usually make me panic when I attempt to stroll someplace or use public transportation. One of many fundamental variations between Google Maps and Waze is the flexibility to get strolling, biking, or public transportation instructions.

For folks like me who’ve issue with instructions, Google Maps’ Instantaneous View function really takes the digital camera view and overlays the arrows, so even when I get misplaced and do not know which method is north, I can nonetheless get there. Whereas Apple Maps has a “go searching” function in some cities, its widespread availability is nowhere close to as nice as Google Maps due to these funny-looking cameras-equipped vehicles.

One other key however generally hidden function of Google Maps is the flexibility to navigate indoor areas. It is a superb software for duties like discovering your gate at a serious metropolitan airport and even discovering your method round a shopping center.

Google Maps offers insights into native locations

Google’s search engine integration makes the app greater than only a map

One of many greatest benefits of Google Maps is its similarity to Google. I don’t must open an internet browser to learn opinions of close by eating places, or discover their cellphone numbers, and even see what time of day it’s least crowded.

Google Maps additionally hyperlinks knowledge to your Google Account. So if I’ve to decide on between two eating places, I can save the one I do not attempt to bear in mind later, even when I occur to be looking on my laptop computer when the latter really comes up.

I can monitor mileage and even save fuel

Whereas Google Maps could have been a fundamental navigation software when it launched, by 2024 this system might be rather more than a information. I can use location historical past to trace my miles. I can inform Google what sort of automobile I drive so it will probably discover a route with one of the best fuel mileage. One of many extra essential options for individuals who want to go off the grid somewhat than enterprise into the large cities is the flexibility to obtain routes for later use offline.

Is Google Maps nonetheless value utilizing?

Does not even look 20 years previous – in one of the best ways!

Google Maps could also be approaching its twentieth birthday this February, however the app’s continued evolution is enabling the software to stay related into 2024. Nonetheless a stable alternative. A wonderful alternative.