Angela Lang / CNET
Google announced Tuesday that new Google Maps navigation features are coming in, including toll rates and more detailed maps for better navigation. IPhone users will also see some improvements in quality of life with a new home screen widget, Apple Watch, Siri and Spotlight integration. Before you start a route, Google will display toll pricing based on information from local toll authorities. Maps will consider the cost of using a toll card in relation to other payment methods. It will also look at pricing based on what day of the week it is and how much a toll can cost at a given time. Google will continue to inform drivers about available toll-free roads for those who want to save money, and there will be a “Avoid Tolls” option in the settings menu. Toll road pricing should apply to Android and iOS users on nearly 2,000 toll roads in the US, India, Japan and Indonesia sometime this month. Other counties will be coming soon. In the coming weeks, Google Maps will also start showing more details while driving, including upcoming traffic lights, stop signs, building contours, road widths, including middle and islands. The search giant says this will reduce the chance of changing lanes at the last minute or missing turns. Google Maps will soon display traffic lights and stop signs along your route, as well as other enhanced details. Google For iPhone and iPad users, Google brings a new widget that can display scheduled trips pinned to a user’s Go tab. This widget will display the arrival time and suggest routes for drivers. On the Apple Watch, users will now be able to read instructions while away from an iPhone. Finally, Google Maps integrates with Spotlight, Siri, and Shortcuts on iOS. Once the shortcuts are set up, users can say “Hey Siri, get directions” to get instant access to Google Maps. The integration of Spotlight and Shortcuts will take place in the coming months with the integration of Siri landing in the summer. Get the CNET Apple Report newsletter Get the latest news and reviews on Apple products, iOS updates and more. Delivery Friday.
