Google Maps Update New Features
By Jacob Siegal
May 6th, 2014 at 1:49 PM

Following a few substantial additions to Google Now, Google announced on Tuesday that Google Maps for iOS and Android would be receiving a major update. There’s plenty to explore in the updated Google Maps, but we’ve picked out five that stand out the most.

  1. Never miss an exit again: Using Google Maps to navigate the interstate has never been a flawless experience, but without a built-in navigation system at your disposal, it’s almost always the best alternative. With the new update, Google’s app is now capable of showing you which lane to move into ahead of time. Lane guidance is available in the United States, Canada and parts of Japan.
  2. Save your maps: Heading out to a location without a reliable signal? You can now select “Save map to use offline,” give it a custom name and store it in your phone. As long as you’re signed in, you can tap your profile icon and see a list of any offline maps you’ve saved.
  3. Access Uber from Google Maps: If you’re a regular Uber user, this might be the most significant feature of the update. From now on, when you check public transit and walking directions, Uber will appear as an additional option with an estimated time as long as you have the Uber app installed on your device.
  4. Stop showing up to the train station seconds too late: How many times have you run down the stairs to watch the subway doors close slowly in front of you as you fumble through your wallet for the MetroCard? In the updated Google Maps, you can now set the time you plan on departing at, ensuring that you won’t miss your train again.
  5. Explore your destination before you arrive: Rather than forcing you through various apps for a street view of your destination, Google has included the feature right on the card within the app.

The update should be available now for your iOS and Android devices.

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Jacob started covering video games and technology in college as a hobby, but it quickly became clear to him that this was what he wanted to do for a living. He currently resides in New York writing for BGR. His previously published work can be found on TechHive, VentureBeat and Game Rant.