Google is adding several new features to Google Maps in time for the holiday season that will collectively make your shopping experience a little less difficult. The new features were announced in a post today.
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A new “Search Area” feature provides information about how popular neighborhoods are, rather than just specific destinations, while the app’s “Directory” tab is rolling out globally to provide more information about stores in locations like malls and airports. Google Maps is also expanding its grocery pickup tracking feature to cover more stores in the U.S. and is working to make its restaurant reviews more detailed.
Area Busyness is an extension of the information Google Maps already provides about public transit congestion and the popularity of specific stores and locations throughout the week. Now, instead of just offering details about specific places, the app will be able to provide information about how busy a neighborhood is. Google hopes the feature will allow users to avoid crowds while shopping. Google says Area Busyness will roll out globally on Android and iOS “in time for this holiday season.”
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Meanwhile, the Directory tab will be available for all airports, shopping malls, and transit stations around the world where Google has data available. It shows what services and stores are available within places that often appear as a single location on Google Maps. The app can then provide detailed information, such as opening hours and customer reviews. The Directory tab will also be available globally on iOS and Android.
The service's restaurant reviews are also becoming more detailed, with additional information about price ranges. It also simplifies the process of adding information about facilities like outdoor seating and delivery options.
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Google Maps is also expanding its grocery pickup feature, which lets users track the status of their order and then share with the store when they expect to arrive for pickup without ever leaving the app. The feature first launched earlier this year and has since expanded to cover more than 2,000 stores in 30 U.S. states, including Kroger Family stores, Fry's, Ralphs and Marianos, according to Google.
