Google rolls out Waze incident alerts on Maps

Image: Google via Tech Radar

What separates Google Maps from Waze is the community-driven traffic incident alerts you get on the latter. But that feature looks like it's coming to Maps. Users are now seeing Waze traffic alerts in the app with the words "From Waze drivers" in the pop-ups. Google announced this integration back in July, but it's been getting a broader release in time for the holiday driving season.

As Tech Radar pointed out, Google Maps has been asking drivers to offer traffic incident updates for a while now. But the alerts coming from Waze are a new addition. These notifications are for incidents like lane closures, nearby construction, and the like. It does hint at Google possibly integrating Waze into Maps, which they have said in the past that they won't do. But we can't say for sure that Google will keep its word. We all know what happened to Fitbit after all.

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Google Maps can show transit delays

Image: Google

Google has started rolling out an update for Maps that displays transit delays. It said the feature is coming to a "few major cities globally" to start, with others, including Canadian cities, to be added soon. It gets its information from your fellow riders and local agencies. It can even display entrances to subway stations and alternate transit routes. Plus, it can show information like if a bridge is too low or if a weather disruption (like a snowstorm) will affect your journey.

Google brings shopping to Maps

Image: Google

Google released an update for Maps that brings shopping information to the app—starting in the US first. You can search for the item you want to buy and Maps will show you nearby stores that are selling it. It allows you to search for clothing, home goods, groceries, and electronics. It will show individual product listings and the locations where generic examples of the item can be found.

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Google Maps rolls out update for Immersive View

Image: Google

With artificial intelligence, imagery, and computer vision, Google Maps gives you a closer look at your surroundings with the aptly named Immersive View feature. Starting this week, Google will expand this feature to 150 cities internationally, including places like Frankfurt, Kyoto, and Brussels. The company also adds new categories, including college campuses to give you virtual campus tours.

Immersive View for routes is also getting more details. It can let you know where to park and highlight if there are things like a complex turn in your path. Google will roll out this new update for Android and iOS.

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