Use these Google Maps tips with Android Auto or CarPlay
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Google Maps, whether you’re using it on Android or iOS, is an app packed with features–from guides to what to see in your local area to the ability to share your location with friends and family in real time. It’s one of the most comprehensive apps out there, and Google is consistently adding new features.
Google Maps is also fully compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so if you have one or both of those services installed on your vehicle’s dashboard, you’ll see the mapping app pop up when your Android phone or iPhone is connected. There are several useful features you can tap into in Google Maps on that second screen.
Change the look of your vehicle
Change your look of your car on the map. Screenshot: Google
Next, select
Driving avatar to choose a new icon and a different color for the map. Choose Driving Avatar
and choose a different icon for the map. Screenshot: Google
On the travel card on Android Auto (which shows you your estimated travel time), tap the magnifying glass icon, then run a search for the type of place you’re looking for. Tap the magnifying-glass icon on the Android Auto travel card (which shows the estimated travel time) and then search for the place you are looking for. Google Maps will show you which detours are the most convenient along your current route. Tap on the option to add it to the route. If you are using Google Maps via Apple CarPlay, you tap the travel card and then click
Add Stop
on top. This brings up a list with suggestions. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow you to speak or type out the type of place you’d like to stop. As always, be careful doing any of this while you’re moving.
Switch up the perspective of the map
There are multiple map views to choose between. Screenshot: Google
On Android Auto you will see a compass on the right. On Apple CarPlay, you only get the 3D and north-up views. You can access them by tapping on the travel card showing your journey time, then the gear icon. Apple CarPlay only offers the 3D perspective view and the north-up view. You can access them by selecting the travel card that shows your journey time then tapping the gear icon. Screenshot: Google
Google maps has a feature that alerts other users to what is happening on the road. You can access this feature if you are using Google Maps with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Tap on the yellow triangle (hazard) icon on the left or the right side of the interface. A new box pops up letting you report a range of incidents at your location.
The options here vary slightly depending on where you are in the world, but they’ll typically include
Crash
,
Congestion
, and
Lane closure
. If enough Google Maps users make the same report in the same place, then Google will update its traffic databases accordingly–so everyone sees the extra information you’ve added.Choose what’s shown on screenDifferent layers can be shown on the map. Screenshot: Google
You can choose what is shown on the map. You can choose to show current traffic conditions or a satellite view by tapping the gear icon on your vehicle’s display (Android Auto) or the travel card, followed by the gear icon in Apple CarPlay. You can also use a 3D building view on Android Auto instead of a satellite map. Screenshot: Google
This feature is currently only available on Android Auto with Google Maps. The three dots (which show your estimated travel time) can be tapped to select Share journey. You can search the contacts by typing, or you can speak. Your chosen contact can then see where you are as your journey progresses.Change the audio prompts you hearThe same app audio alert options are available on the dashboard. Screenshot: Google
You can also select
Alerts only
(so just relevant road incidents) on Android Auto. Tap the speaker icon on the dashboard to mute or unmute audio instructions; on Android Auto, you can also pick
Alerts only
(so just relevant road incidents).
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