Google Maps for iOS and Apple CarPlay Gains Live Speedometer Feature

[Mr_Ed]

Can someone explain to me how this is helpful or necessary? AFAIK the speedometer is the most prominent element in the instrument cluster of most motor vehicles (save some like the traditional Porsche 911 cluster arrangement). If you are behind the wheel and don’t have at least a rough idea of how fast your vehicle is moving and the applicable speed limit, you may already be more distracted than you should be. How does flashing something on the entertainment display (not directly in front of driver in most vehicles) make things better?

Some modern vehicles already have this function built-in but at least in that case, the warning appears in the instrument cluster and/or HUD (if the vehicle has one), which I would expect the driver to be checking regularly.

 

[Maclver]

It didn't already have this? And people actually use it over Apple Maps? Why?

For me I use Waze only because i moved to a new state that has speed cameras and Waze tells me even if im not in turn-by-turn navigation. Unless Apple Maps does that and im missing a setting.

 

[jonnysods]

Yeah i noticed that last week!

 

[Mr_Ed]

It didn't already have this? And people actually use it over Apple Maps? Why?

At least where I live, Apple Maps database of businesses is absolute garbage. Out of date and incomplete. Google Maps is far superior in that regard.

 

[machpost]

Yep I try to use it more and the other day it almost made me be stuck in traffic for 40 minutes because it didn’t tell me to take the exit to avoid it. Thankfully I had this epiphany to double check on Google Maps and managed to make it.

I also like that Google Maps gives you this indication of how much traffic to expect on your journey in general by turning the time from green to orange or red. If I am not mistaken, AM does not do that

I find Google Maps to be far superior when you live in a city with horrendous traffic that is wildly unpredictable. It's usually pretty good at keeping track of rapidly changing conditions and rerouting you around choke points. My 3.5 mile commute can take anywhere from 12 minutes to over an hour so being aware of a sudden road closure or crash can make a huge difference.

 

[Canyda]

This is a great idea. Car manufacturers should start putting speedometers in vehicles so that we don't have to check our speeds by averting our gaze to the side when driving to look at our phones. Maybe car makers could put our driving speed right on the main dashboard of the vehicle so we can glance down and see it there.

 

[midkay]

Just tried this and it works great. Seems pinpoint accurate to what my car speedometer says.

 

[dannyyankou]

Waze had this for ages ...

So have cars

 

[rom3o]

It didn't already have this? And people actually use it over Apple Maps? Why?

They’re probably driving one of those fancy cars that come with a built-in speedometer.

 

[dannyyankou]

They’re probably driving one of those fancy cars that come with a built-in speedometer.

Lol right? I find it amusing how people need their phone to tell them how fast they're driving.

 

[hoodlum90]

I can’t find this setting in Apple maps only the speed limit.

Same here. I updated Google maps to ensure I have the latest version and still no "Driving Options" under Navigation. I am in Canada but that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[one more]

So they‘re finally bringing a feature that has been available in Waze (for years) to the main Google Maps app?

Better late than never. Apple still don’t have it either, btw.

 

[ApAx]

well, one could just pay attention while driving and notice the signs?

and I can see people (in the US) going to court blaming Google for providing false information, but, the courts will request the data from Google as they sure keep all that data about you ...

My brand new car, with navigation updates in May 2024, still has incorrect speed limit data for my neighborhood where signs were changed two years ago. I don’t rely on 3rd party tech to know the speed limit when we have radar traps everywhere.

 

[CloneBB]

The speedometer is front and center. I don’t want to look over at the console.

 

[falkon-engine]

Better late than never. Apple still don’t have it either, btw.

True. But google owns Waze!! Since July 2013!!

 

[ericg301]

Omg I’ve been waiting years for this.

 

[Calle68]

What about a dash like app, with speedometer, g-meter and other amenities?

 

[Numbah One]

Had this years ago in the Navigon app before Garmin bought them and discontinued it.

 

[LV426]

Can someone explain to me how this is helpful or necessary? AFAIK the speedometer is the most prominent element in the instrument cluster of most motor vehicles (save some like the traditional Porsche 911 cluster arrangement). If you are behind the wheel and don’t have at least a rough idea of how fast your vehicle is moving and the applicable speed limit, you may already be more distracted than you should be. How does flashing something on the entertainment display (not directly in front of driver in most vehicles) make things better?

Some modern vehicles already have this function built-in but at least in that case, the warning appears in the instrument cluster and/or HUD (if the vehicle has one), which I would expect the driver to be checking regularly.

Car displays always show the current speed, but not necessarily the current speed limit.
Sometimes, I miss a speed limit sign. I for one would be grateful if Apple Maps in CarPlay indicated that I was overspeed. It would also be helpful if Apple Maps showed the current speed limit regardless of whether you are following a computed route or not. Currently, the route has to be calculated before it shows the speed limit.

 

[Natas1000]

Just tested it and the speed accuracy was all over the map with slow updating as well.

 

[sracer]

Does Google show speed limits on the map even when you aren’t following driving directions? For example, if I put in directions in Apple Maps, it’ll show the current speed limit. If I’m just showing the map, it will not.

No it doesn't... and it is quite annoying.

 

[JohnMaldaner]

So they‘re finally bringing a feature that has been available in Waze (for years) to the main Google Maps app?

True. But, Apple Maps hasn't got this feature yet. I wish they did as I actually find Apple Maps to be very good in my locale.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

No it doesn't... and it is quite annoying.

Thanks for getting back to me. Appreciate it.

 

[Westside guy]

Waze had this for ages ...

I'm a bit surprised that Google has let Waze continue as its own app - I expected we'd all have been forcibly moved to Google Maps by now.

 

[Westside guy]

Car displays always show the current speed, but not necessarily the current speed limit. Sometimes, I miss a speed limit sign.

Exactly this - plus signs are often few and far between, even if they haven't been knocked down or otherwise messed with.

My wife's 2019 Outback actually displays local speed limit info on the dash, which is quite handy... but my 2015 Camry does not. I find Waze's display of this information very helpful.