Spoken traffic alerts arrive in a Google Maps update
Popular third-party navigation app Google Maps has just been updated to version 4.12.0 with a very notable feature to help battle the world of traffic gridlock.
The app will now offer audible alerts about relevant traffic issues. Before you head off, traffic descriptions will tell you a summary of the conditions on the way to work, school, or wherever. If a traffic problem – including an accident or congestion – pops up while you’re driving, the app will also let you know.
That’s a great new safety feature and should allow drivers to make decisions about their route without taking their eyes off the roadway.
Along with the usual slate of bug fixes, the update now also allows users to easily add new and missing business from the app’s sidebar.
Google Maps is designed for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad/iPad mini. It can be downloaded now on the App Store for free.
Back in late September, the app was updated to bring support for the Apple Watch. While it’s not a full-fledged solution like Apple Maps on the wearable device, users are able to view text-based directions to their home, work, and other recent routes.
Here’s an interactive preview from our sister site WatchAware.
That update also brought the new ability to compare ETA times across driving, transit, walking, and biking.I’m a big fan of using Google Maps when at all possible, and the new spoken traffic alerts will definitely help make my commute a little more bearable – and maybe even a bit shorter.
For other app news today, see: Swipe to unsubscribe and clean up your inbox with Unroll.Me, Free your hands and listen, Speaky now has a document picker, and Powerful photo editor Enlight adds tutorials and enhancements.