Google Maps Adds a Slew of New Features Including Immersive View for Routes

First up is Immersive View for Routes. The feature works for driving, walking, or cycling. As the name suggests, you an see a preview of the route in a multidimensional view from start to finish.

Along with showing detailed turn-by-turn directions, you can also use a time slider to see when to head out with both simulated traffic and weather conditions. Starting this week, the feature will begin to roll out in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice.

The Lens in Maps is also arriving in more than 50 new cities this week including Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo and Taipei. The feature uses both AI and augmented reality to better acclimate yourself in a new place.

To begin, just tap the Lens icon in the search bar to see information about ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and more.

In the coming months, you’ll also be able to see more real-world information about your route. You can soon see more information like realistic buildings and improved lane details. You will also be able to see if there are HOV lanes on the route to better choose how to get to a final destination.

EV drivers, starting this week, will be able to see more helpful charging station information including whether the charger is compatible with their vehicle and the charging speed. You’ll also be able to see the last time the charger was used to determine if it might be down.

Finally you will be able to search in Google Maps in a new way. When looking for something specific like “pumpkin patch with a dog,” you can view photo-first results. It will arrive starting this week for the U.S., France, Germany, Japan, and the U.K. 

Google Maps is a free download on the App Store now and is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.