Google Maps is getting new practical functions for finding electric charging stations and handicapped accessible places, but also a new augmented reality search tool, Search with Live View.

Google Maps is getting new practical functions for finding electric charging stations and handicapped accessible places, but also a new augmented reality search tool, Search with Live View.

Google Maps is far from being a simple mapping and guidance service allowing you to get from one point to another. Google’s service, also available in a mobile app, has evolved a lot since its creation by acquiring many functions, each more practical than the other. And for the Christmas holidays, often synonymous with family outings and outings with friends, Google announced in a blog post the deployment of new tools in Maps to make life easier for users. As the Internet giant had promised a few months earlier, the Live View mode, which allows you to navigate in augmented reality (AR), has a new function for searching for practical information in several major cities including Paris. . In addition, Maps also makes it easier to find a fast charging station for electric vehicles and to display accessible places for people in wheelchairs.

Search with Live View: search for places in augmented reality

Google wants to make Live View, the augmented reality navigation system launched three years ago, more immersive. Basically, the service allows you to find your way around by indicating on the images captured by the smartphone via arrows and directions. Now, by activating the Search with Live View function, the user can point their phone’s camera in one direction and see places of interest appear on their screen, such as shops, restaurants, banks, ATMs or metro stations. For example, if you’re looking for a vending machine, all you have to do is ask Google Maps and the app will show them – including places that aren’t visible at first glance, like a small, remote bar in a court. As a bonus, there is also information from Google Maps, such as opening hours, level of affluence, average prices, ratings and reviews and distance.

It’s a great way to discover a neighborhood and stroll around during the holidays without getting lost or missing out! The rollout of Search with Live View will begin the week of November 21 worldwide on Android and iOS – so we’ll have to be patient for everyone to enjoy it. However, the feature only applies to a few major cities, namely London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Paris. To take advantage of it, just tap on the camera icon in the search bar.

Google Maps: even more precise filters

This is not the only novelty introduced in Google Maps, because the digital giant has also improved the search for charging stations for electric vehicles. From now on, a new filter makes it possible to find fast charging stations carrying chargers of 50 kW or more. Just search for “EV charging stations” and select the “fast charging” filter. Google Maps also makes it possible to find charging stations by plug type in more countries. These new filters are now available on Android and iOS.

Google has also extended a function previously reserved for Australia, the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom to other countries in the world. Now the mapping service can show places that are wheelchair accessible. To use this function, you must go to Google Maps Settings and activate the “Accessible places” option in the Accessibility menu. A wheelchair icon appears on the profile of places – car parks, restaurants, toilets, etc. – with access for people with reduced mobility – otherwise, the icon is crossed out. To note that this function can also be used by those who wish to avoid stairs because they use a stroller, trolley or carry heavy luggage. The information is provided by the establishments, but is also updated by the users of the service.