Google Maps releases new update, gets iOS gets dark mode, widgets, live location

By Team Newsable | First Published Aug 5, 2021, 10:01 AM IST

According to the blog post, Google said that the new features would be available this month. It has no exact specified date.

In a recent development, Google Maps announced three updates for the iOS app, including widgets, in-built dark mode, and live location. According to the blog post, Google said that the new features would be available this month. It has no exact specified date.

Starting with the live location feature, it will be available on the native iMessage. To use this feature, go for Google Maps and share the location. The new update will share users' locations for one hour by default and can be extended up to three days. To stop the share, tap 'stop' on the icon.

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Explaining the widget, the shortcut buttons will let users search on Google Maps or directly set location to Home and Work. They can look for restaurants and gas stations with shortcut buttons. To install this widget, make sure you have the latest version of the app downloaded from the App store. If you already have it, then touch and hold the empty area until your app jiggle, then on the upper left, you can tap Add button, add the Google Maps app, swipe to select a widget, and finally, tap 'Done'.

Lastly, Google Maps will finally be compatible with iOS's native dark mode. Until now, the apps background remained white despite turning on Dark mode from settings. To turn it on, head to your Settings, tap on the mode, then select "On."

To improve users' experience, Google has also listed the "Save my parking location" tool to help user remind their parking spot when they head out. The feature works offline as well. Users can even use the Live View, Google Maps' AR-powered walking directions, to quickly navigate searched locations.

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