News & Reviews:   Google Maps features

By now, you would have noticed that the Google Maps app has a new app look and if you've been living under the rock, that signifies the company's 15th anniversary since the app's debut. Besides Waze, Google Maps is one of Malaysian's most-used apps especially in Kuala Lumpur (even for locals) to get around the city and apparently, the company quietly rolled out some new features. 

Available on Android and Apple smartphones (yes, even iOS users use this over Apple Maps which works terribly in Malaysia), there are five new features to check out - Explore, Commute, Saved, Contribute and Updates. These are already available on the menu so let's check out what can you do with these.

Google has been trying to unify and add many different features into the Google Maps app to make it a one stop app for exploring, moving around and planning your journey even on public transport. The latest update makes traveling on public transportation even better as predicts what the conditions and delays the public transport would be like, perfect for us Malaysians who are always looking to ditch our cars and take the LRT or bus.

Usually when we need directions to a restaurant, we refer to Google Maps. When we need food recommendations, we hit Google search to find some reviews and menus. Now, you only need Google Maps to be able to do both as the app has finally been updated to include popular dish recommendations when you search for a restaurant.

Taking a leaf out of Waze, a few Google Maps users began noticing their app warning them of upcoming speed traps on their routes. Camera icons will appear on users’ routes to warn them where to be careful which you can see at the bottom of the article.

Android users can now use the brand new messaging feature on Google Maps. No, it won’t be used to message other users on the road so you can forget trying to send an IM to that person in the car next to you. Rather, the feature is for users to directly message a business. So far, there has been no word on when this update will be released on iOS.