Tech

Google Maps adds new features to help avoid crowds and COVID-19

As COVID-19 remains a factor in our daily lives, Google has today announced new updates for Maps which will help you avoid crowds.

With Maps polling data from users in real-time, Google has seen a load of trends since COVID-19 changed all our worlds. Dane Glasgow, VP of Product, Google Maps says that Google has added nearly 250 new features and improvements to Google Maps to help users adapt to this new normal.

The new features expand on existing features like busyness of a location is now available for transit information, as well as new information in the COVID layer in maps, letting you asses the situation before you go. You’ll also see information about your food and takeout orders.

Previously Google Maps COVID layer showed ‘a seven-day average of new COVID cases per 100,000 people for the area of the map you’re looking at, and a label that indicates whether the cases are trending up or down’. The new update will now show ‘all-time detected cases in an area, along with quick links to COVID resources from local authorities’.

Google Maps – COVID-19 layer

Google is also adding information about your daily commute, and how busy it is based on real-time feedback from Google Maps users. Where the data is available, Maps will show the ‘crowdedness’ of your bus, train, or subway line, just like it shows busy times for stores.

Maps Transit ‘Crowdedness’

Lastly you’ll be able to see the live status of takeout and delivery orders. Google says ‘we’re rolling out the ability to see the live status of takeout and delivery orders in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Brazil and India when you book or order from Google Maps on Android and iOS‘.

Maps – Takeout and Delivery tracking

More than a billion people use Google Maps, and with live aggregated data improving information on when people are around gives you options to avoid them. Features announced today are going live on Android and iOS, so make sure your app is updated and you’ll start seeing these features shortly.

Recent Posts

  • Tech

2026 will be the battle of “RGB” in TV technology – what. the. heck. is. that?

If you're still catching up on Quantum Dots, OLED, Mini LED and are thinking that…

1 day ago
  • Tech

NBN gets set for the final roll out of Fibre upgrades to another 600,000 homes

The NBN is getting ready to lock in the final stage of the Fibre to…

2 days ago
  • Motoring

The stunning new BMW iX3 is a vision for the future realised as Neue Klasse comes to market

BMW has revealed the first new model to be designed and engineered under their 2025…

2 days ago
  • Tech

Best in Smart Home – The SwannBuddy 4K Video Doorbell with AI wins at the IFA Innovation Awards

The SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell with SwannShield™AI Voice Assistant has been given an Honouree accolade for…

2 days ago
  • Tech

360 degree security camera coverage and smart AI capabilities come to Reolink security lineup at IFA 2025

Reolink is a bit of an upstart when it comes to home security but having…

2 days ago
  • Lifestyle

LG unveil its AI plans for your home appliances at IFA 2025

LG has announced its vision for AI-powered living at IFA 2025 under the moniker “LG…

2 days ago