Google Maps lets you add stops to your trip

Image: Google

If you're planning a road trip and want to see what's along your route, Google Maps is rolling out an "add stops" feature that lets you see landmarks, scenic spots, dining options, and other attractions along the way. Google has started rolling out this feature alongside other capabilities this week for Android and iOS users.

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Gemini on Google Maps can help plan your night out

Image: Google

One of the newest things coming to Google Maps takes advantage of its artificial intelligence features. When you're planning a trip or a night out, Gemini on Maps can help you decide. According to the company, you just need to ask Maps to get curated ideas that Gemini put together. It can show summarized reviews for the place or you can ask Maps more questions about a specific place and it promises to show "relevant answers in a snap."

The feature is rolling out in the US first for Android and iOS users. However, Google plans to bring a similar experience to Search in the coming months.

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Android tipped to get iPhone's Live Activities-like feature

Screenshots: Android Authority

Google is supposedly working on a new Android API that will allow it to show at-a-glance information in a status bar, similar to Apple's Live Activities on the iPhone's Dynamic Island. Android Authority's Mishaal Rahman spotted the code for what it calls Rich Ongoing Notifications in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release. It could potentially work like the time tracker that appears when you're on a call, with a bit of text in a bubble at the top of the screen you can tap to get more details.

Rahman said the API "will let apps create chips with their own text and background color that live in the status bar." It could potentially show things like tracking a delivery while using other apps. The feature isn't complete yet, so it might take some time to launch. Rahman predicts we might see it arrive with Android 16.

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Otter.ai offers Spanish and French transcription

Image: Otter.ai

Otter.ai adds more languages to its artificial intelligence-powered transcription and translation service. The app adds real-time transcription in Spanish and French on its desktop and mobile apps. The feature works for in-person and virtual meeting platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.

You can also use Otter.ai's AI Chat feature to ask follow-up questions about the transcription in your preferred language. The downside is the company isn't offering translation at launch, so you must be a speaker of the language you're transcribing. The company said it plans to support more languages throughout 2025.

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