Google is rolling out a new feature for Android users that will have Google Maps attempting to predict where you want to go next. Maps will also inform users, based on traffic conditions, whether its a good idea to travel to a destination at a given time.
Tapping on the search bar will not only have Maps predicting where you want to go — it will also give you ETAs and nearby gas prices around your potential destinations.
Google will be able to do this using a combination of information provided by the user, and information it has gathered based on your location history.
For example, if you’ve indicated to Google Maps where home and work is located, it will prompt you with ETAs at times when you most often travel to these destinations.
If you have allowed Google Maps to log your location history, then it will present suggestions based on location data, time of day, and day of week.
Google will also take into account locations you’ve looked up in Google Maps and Google Search, and make appropriate suggestions while you have the brand new ‘driving mode’ open. Driving mode can be accessed at any time through the Google Maps sidebar.
Brian Ferris, Google Maps Software Engineer, stresses that one of the primary benefits gained from this update is the ability to save time on your commute and avoid traffic.
This feature is not available to all Android users at the moment, but Google say it will be by the end of the week. The feature will only be available in English, and only in the following countries: U.S., United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Featured Image Credit: Roman Pyshchyk / Shutterstock.com
