According to CNN Business, Google is preparing to release the new updated version of “Google Maps” in a few days, on the occasion of the 15th birthday of the application. In this way, “Google Maps” will acquire a new look, features and properties. Specifically, three new tabs will appear at the bottom of the screen: “Saved,” “Contribute” and “Updates”. At the same time, the “Commute” and “Explore” tabs will remain as they are, while the “For you” button will be removed. The “Saved” tab will include bookmarks from places that each user has visited or wants to go to. Until now, “Saved” was hidden in the menu on the left, in the “Your Places” box. “Contribute” is Google’s version of Yelp that helps users share reviews, photos and information about businesses and locations that others can see. The “Updates” tab includes information from publishers and local experts to present people with suggestions of everything they should see and try.
Google Maps will also be able to show how many people are on a bus. It will also indicate whether public transport has accessibility options. In some countries, such as Japan and India, the app can even show if there is a separate section for women to ride.
Apple, meanwhile, released a new version of its app . The app features similar features to Google's Maps app, including bookmarks and interactive street views. Apple also highlighted the privacy features of the Maps app. The company said that, unlike Google Maps, Apple Maps doesn't keep a history of where users have been. Google Maps has previously received criticism for its data storage.
Additionally, in October 2019, Google released a number of new privacy tools, including a feature that allows users to reduce the recording of where they are and stop sharing their location. However, this feature has significant limitations. In particular, Google stated that enabling incognito mode in Maps does not affect how user activity is used or stored by internet providers, other apps, voice search, and other Google services.
