What new features were actually presented by the Googlers in the celebration video?
In the announcements prior to the event, we could read:
See where Maps is going next
Learn more about new developments for Maps, plus hear how we’re meeting our users’ changing needs.
It was easy to get caught up in the celebrations and not focus on what was mentioned about new and future features on Google Maps. So in this post, I will try to summarize and comment on the novelties disclosed to us.
I noticed 12 innovations in the presentation. At first, I only remembered one of them (#8). Maybe you noticed more than these 12. Please comment below also, if you want to share observations on which of the new features are already available to you.
The 12 innovations are listed below in the same order they were mentioned in the presentation.
My comments are subjective and reflect what features are already available where I live. It can be very different in your region.
Chris Phillips, VP & General Manager for Google Maps (Geo team)
Chris mentioned, that Making Maps more immersive and visual is a priority.
News #1: Immersive view (see the video clip)
Comment: I wonder if this is any different from what we already discussed in August when @LaloPadilla postedImmersive View is now available!? Chris mentioned something about experiencing how places look today, tomorrow, or even later in the week. Could a new time-traveling feature be coming? Probably not.
News #2: Search with live view (see the video clip)
Comment: This is already available in many places. I believe I have tried it already.
News #3: Neighborhood vibe (see the video clip)
This will allow us to zoom in and see cover photos and also videos presented directly on the Map (without opening the pins).
Comment: I have seen cover photos of places already pop up directly on the map, but I have not yet seen any videos.
News #4: Eco-friendly routing (see the video clip)
Comment: He did not promise this to be rolled out beyond the US and Canada, but it is already available here in Denmark. I use it more than once a week here in Denmark.
Jean Choi (Product Manager for Reviews)
News #5: Structured reviews (see the video clip)
More easy-to-answer questions are now available worldwide when reviewing restaurants, hotels, and parks. More question types and also free-form answers are coming.
Comment: Yes, this is something I have already seen implemented. They are beta-testing free-form answers on vegetarian food options and accessibility info. I like it.
News #6: Aggregated price info (see the video clip)
Screenshot from the video showing Price per person breakdown:
Comment: I am trying to remember seeing this where I live. Have you seen it? Jean mentioned it is now available in more than 30 countries.
Yatin Chawathe (Engineering leader for Google Maps)Yatin mentioned rainbow-colored LGBT prides routes (see the video clip)
Comment: I have not seen these so far.
Masa Ui (Sr Product Manager for Videos)
News #7: 3 ways to add photos and videos (see the video clip)
- The Contribute Tab
- The Community Feed (in the Explore Tab)
- The Placesheets (used to call these the Place’s Page)
Comment: I was not aware that we can now add photos from the Community Feed. I found this:
News #8: Videos can now be added to reviews (see the video clip)
Comment: It’s about time! I remember quite a few issues where Local Guides got frustrated because they were unable to do so. Have you noticed this new and most welcome feature?
News #9: We can add videos to posts (see the video clip)
Comment: I’m guessing he means videos can now be added to updates.
News #10: Videos ranking higher on Placesheets (see the video clip)
Comment: Yes, I have noticed this. And this is likely to give good videos a lot more views compared to earlier. Wonderful.
Also, I noticed Masa distinguishes between End users and Contributors. I feel I’m in both categories.
Karolina Pyszkiewicz (Manager for the Community driven content feed under the Explore tab)
You can reach the Community Feed by swiping up after hitting the Explore Tab.
News #11: The Community Feed will now be expanded to also work when you search for a city, neighborhood, or country far from your location (see the video clip)
Comment: I’m still unable to see this.
News #12: The Community Feed now has category filters (see the video clip)
Comment: This is not yet available around here.
I hope you enjoyed this overview of 12 innovations recently implemented, being rolled out, or coming soon in your Maps app. Which ones are you most excited about?
Cheers
Morten