Google Maps is more than just an app for directions. It is useful for more than just navigating your city or guiding you on your next road trip. As lockdown eases and we are allowed to visit pubs and restaurants Google can help you find venues and even make bookings. We all know that 2021 isn’t going to be quite the same as previous years, but Google Maps is here to help you to make the most of the summer.
The Explore Tab
If you’re not sure what you’re searching for, the Explore tab is your new best friend. Google Maps can make restaurant recommendations, discover new walking paths or find essential services like petrol stations or EV charging points.
Simply open Google maps on your iPhone or Android device and go to the Explore tab. This will give you a rundown of local places and things to do. A quick list at the top of this page allows you to narrow down to restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, petrol stations, and other services.
You can search for specific places or activities in the search bar, or tap the microphone icon to or talk directly through the software using the microphone in the top right corner if you need anything more precise.
When you find something that piques your interest, simply click it to access the address, reviews, website, and opening hours.
Save Your favourite locations
When you discover your next lunch date or a coffee shop with the best reviews, just tap save. A little heart icon will be added to your map to show this is one of your favourites.
Find each other easily
Google Maps makes it easy to share your exact location with your mates so everyone meets up as easily and safely as possible – even is someone (you know who I mean) is always late.
- Tap on your Google ID in the top corner of the app.
- Choose “Location Sharing”.
- A new screen titles “stay connected” will appear. Click the blue “share location” button to get started.
- You can now choose who to share your location with, how long to share it for and how to communicate it.
- If your friends have Google Maps they she will be able to see your exact position on their own map. If they don’t you can shoose to share your location with a messaging app like Whatsapp or even SMS.
Arrive in style (so you can have a drink!)
Now you have your perfect trip out planned, who wants to worry about driving? Google has you covered and can help you use a ride hailing service. It is super easy to get a taxi with seamless integration between Maps software and ride hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
When you are searching for directions to your venue, scroll through the available transportation choices and hit the icon that looks like a human waving.
This will show a list of on-demand car services in your area as well as their approximate fares. To summon your golden chariot of destiny (a taxi), pick your preferred service and click the “open window” icon. This option might not appear if ride hailing services don’t operate in your area.
Will it work on my phone?
Great news. Even though it is made by Google, you can get maps on almost any phone. Google maps is available for Android, iPhoen, and even some feature phones with Kai OS.
If you have an Android phone then Google Maps is probably already installed. If you want to install it on your iPhone you can find it here.
What if I have a Huawei?
Sadly if you have a recent Huawei phone (like the P40 series) Google Maps isn’t officially supported.