Google Bringing Camera-Enabled Navigation To Google Maps

Ever get lost using Google Maps ? Google wants to fix that. That’s why Aparna Chennapragada is showing off an updated version of its VPS, or Visual Positioning System: A way for folks to avoid getting lost when out and about. Rather than craning over your phone and hoping you're walking in the same direction as the blue GPS dot, the camera can look at your surroundings and work it out for you. For example, if a person walks out of the subway  and they don't know where they're going, they simply hold up the phone and launch the camera. Lens will then identify where you're standing and compare it to Google's database of Street View images in the region. Once the system has your position, an arrow overlay will pop onto the screen, telling you if you need to venture left or right. The company hasn't said when this is coming to phones, although it may be built out as part of a wider integration with Google Lens. 

Mario Is Coming To Google Maps For Mar10 Day

Google has announced that it’s teamed up with Nintendo for Mar10 Day on March 10th. Nintendo’s iconic plumber will feature in Google Maps for the week. All you will need to do is update the Google Map app and you can then switch the blue navigation arrow that marks your car’s position in navigation mode into Mario. To get this to work simply click on the yellow question mark block found in the Mario games at the bottom of the Google Maps app. 

Wahoo! Now you can navigate the world as Mario in @GoogleMaps to celebrate #MAR10Day! Check out #MarioMaps on Google Maps now for a week. pic.twitter.com/iX3uZMfLrc

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 9, 2018

Pokemon Go Now Uses OpenStreetMap Instead Of Google Maps

Niantic has decided to no longer use Google Maps for Pokemon GO and has now opted to use open-source, user-generated OpenStreetMap instead. You may see quite a different map when you next log-in as the company is performing a slow roll-out for the change with only a handful of countries noticing the change so far. The change to OpenStreetMap should be welcomed as it editable by anyone which could mean many points of interest returning as data gets submitted by players. Unfortunately, some fans are already reporting that areas that were once abundant with activity have now turned into exactly the opposite.

Google Maps Beta 9.34 Gives You Parking Spot Information

According to Android Police, Google Maps beta 9.34 could include text-based alerts informing users to parking shortages at their destination. Google can’t actively track open spaces, so this will most likely be based on the total number of spaces available in given area while taking into account time of day and nearby public events.  

Google Maps' Multi-Stop Feature Is Now On iOS

Google has released Maps' multi-stop feature in the iOS app, making it easy to go from place to place without having to rein put information. You can simply tap "Add stop" and rearrange destinations by holding and dragging them around.

Google Maps Finally Gets Offline Navigation And Search

Google is adding offline navigation to Google Maps in oder to ensure you never get stranded regardless if you have a connection or not. Users can download entire areas onto their smartphone and get turn-by-turn directions. Starting today on Android you can download maps for entire cities, counties, and countries simply by searching for them, then selecting the “Download” option on the place sheet. Once you map is downloaded, Maps will go into offline mode automatically when it detects that your data connection is spotty. You can also go into the “Offline Areas” section and tap the “+” button. Don’t worry iPhone users, Google has said that this feature is coming soon to iOS. What do you think of Google maps finally getting offline navigation ? Anyone up for a camping trip ? What do you think ? 

Google Has A New Logo

Google has a new logo. This comes after a few weeks ago the company announced a huge restructuring of the company that will split the company several different organizations. The iconic 4 colors and "Google" over a white background remains unchanged, but the font is significantly different, removing the serifs that have been part of the letters for years. Google is also doing away with the iconic blue and white "G" logo and replacing it with a new, 4 color version to match the 4 colors the company is so closely associated with. You can watch the video below to see the evolution of Google. What do you think of Googles new logo ? 

Android Mascot Was Urinating On Apple Logo In Google Maps

A few select few have discovered an unusual easter egg within Google Maps. Visiting these specific coordinates (33°30'52.5"N 73°03'33.2”E) on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, found an image of the Google Android mascot urinating over the Apple logo to be embedded within the map itself. It's unknown who exactly created the image and placed it within Google Maps, whether Google is even aware it exists at all at this time. It should be note that the image on Google Maps has been removed.  

Play Pan-Man In Google Maps

Google has had some pretty awesome April Fool’s day jokes over the years. Lat year you where able to catch Pokemon in Google Maps. This year Google made it possible to play Pac-Man using Google Maps. You can do this by pressing the Pac-Man icon in the lower left corner of the screen while on Google Maps turns almost any area. This comes complete with Pac-Man sound effects and limited amount of music.