Google Maps for iOS Gains Directions Widget for Turn-By-Turn Navigation on Lock Screen

[MacRumors]

Google Maps for iOS was today updated to version 4.30.0, introducing a new Directions Widget that allows Google Maps users to access turn-by-turn navigation directly on the lock screen of the iPhone.

The widget can be enabled by going to the Today View of the Notification Center, scrolling down to the "Edit" button, and then enabling Google Directions. Once turned on, turn-by-turn navigation directions will be available through the widget in the Notification Center, which can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen.

Today's update also introduces a new Google Maps iMessage app that's designed to let users send their current location to friends and family members without the need to leave the Messages app.

The new Google Maps Messages app can be enabled through the Messages App Store. When installed, it establishes the user's location and then allows that information to be shared right in Messages.

Along with the new widget and Messages app, the new version of Google Maps also includes unspecified bug fixes.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Google Maps for iOS Gains Directions Widget for Turn-By-Turn Navigation on Lock Screen

 

[Asarien]

I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.

 

[cableguy84]

Can't see the maps app within imessage

 

[larrylaffer]

I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.

Here here!

 

[Statusnone88]

I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.

Came here to say this. But I absolutely despise Apple Maps.

 

[DaPizzaMan]

Can't see the maps app within imessage

You'll have to go to the Store and enable it first under the Manage tab.

 

[DoctorDoctor]

I wish Google would add Driving Mode to Google Maps for iOS. I can't really see how the widget would help me. If I am driving and need directions I would rather just have the Maps app open. Or am I missing something ?

 

[NervousFish2]

I wish Google would add Driving Mode to Google Maps for iOS. I can't really see how the widget would help me. If I am driving and need directions I would rather just have the Maps app open. Or am I missing something ?

Google maps has driving mode, no? I use it all the time

 

[Steve.P.JobsFan]

I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.

Also came here to say this. I'd rather Waze, but I just want something other than Apple Maps...

 

[ATC]

I wish Google would add Driving Mode to Google Maps for iOS. I can't really see how the widget would help me. If I am driving and need directions I would rather just have the Maps app open. Or am I missing something ?

Google maps has driving mode, no? I use it all the time

I may be wrong but I think he means on the lock screen. Apple Maps shows directions there but not Google Maps.

 

[coolfactor]

I wish Google would add Driving Mode to Google Maps for iOS. I can't really see how the widget would help me. If I am driving and need directions I would rather just have the Maps app open. Or am I missing something ?

Google Maps has Driving Mode. We use it anytime that Apple Maps fails us. It's just ever-so-slightly better with certain destinations.
[doublepost=1492481069][/doublepost]I fail to see how displaying driving directions on the lock screen is a good thing. Does that not defeat the purpose of hands and eyes-free operation?

 

[Kaibelf]

Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.

 

[69Mustang]

Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.

Any mention of Google on this forum inevitably leads to someone moaning about privacy. Before doing so, I wish people would actually read Apple's privacy policy. If they did, they'd see that Apple and Google collect and use your information, personal and non-personal, in the exact same ways; including advertising. It's all right there for anyone who wants to discern fact from fiction. And just like with Google, any desire to bypass data mining is an opt-out situation, not opt-in.

I agree with you completely about opt-in, btw. I wish they all (Apple, Google, MS, etc.) were opt-in. They're not. They're pretty much all opt-out. To single out one seems disingenuous when they're all doing the same thing.

 

[44267547]

Any mention of Google on this forum inevitably leads to someone moaning about privacy. Before doing so, I wish people would actually read Apple's privacy policy. If they did, they'd see that Apple and Google collect and use your information, personal and non-personal, in the exact same ways; including advertising. It's all right there for anyone who wants to discern fact from fiction. And just like with Google, any desire to bypass data mining is an opt-out situation, not opt-in.

I agree with you completely about opt-in, btw. I wish they all (Apple, Google, MS, etc.) were opt-in. They're not. They're pretty much all opt-out. To single out one seems disingenuous when they're all doing the same thing.

I don't disagree with anything you're saying regarding privacy, data mining, often/opt out. However, you do have to ask yourself, how many individuals actually DO take the time To read the privacy policy in its entirety? Especially when it comes to data mining, it's a touchy subject for those who feel taken advantage of.

(Slight Rant ahead)....

I look at it like in terms of nobody takes the time to read policies UNLESS someone is concerned or disputing after the fact of something that pertains to them, in which case they claim they were ignorant at the time they "Feel" victimized of something that they (Consumers) don't have an understanding of to begin with, yet they acknowledged the policy by adhereing to the policy itself. It's an Oxy-Moron, but someone can't blame ignorance on something they don't understand, when the writing is Directly in front of them.

 

[CarpalMac]

Despite what the zealots say, Apple maps is nowhere near as good as a global product as GMaps. I travel over 3000miles most months and as a fact here, while AMaps is much improved, it is still unreliable and lacks a lot of key information. Waze (Google owned) is the best in my experience, though it does lack lane selection graphics which would be handy.

 

[0014]

I wish Apple would update their mapping to allow turn by turn and driving directions in Jordan! Although i can see every single street and road etc. It doesn't allow directions either by car, walking etc. Only thing i can do is book a ride.

I also wish Google Maps would give Turn by Turn directions with haptic feedback on the Watch. I miss that feature when trying to work out the best way to walk to places in Amman. Due to Apple Maps not working.

 

[benroberts3]

Google maps has driving mode, no? I use it all the time

Google maps for iOS does not have Driving Mode. This feature is Android only which is such BS considering they are missing out on tons of driving data from people who would like to see their route and traffic conditions but don't need turn by turn directions.

Hopefully, iOS gets the same redesign that Android has. Drive Mode is prominently located on the main screen for those users.

Hell Apple should implement something like this for the iPhone. When using Carplay you get that feature but not for the phone.

The only map application that does something like this is Waze. Simple and easy, just start driving and the map orients itself into drive mode.

 

[Macaholic868]

Nice edition. I use both Apple Maps and Google Maps. Which one I use depends on the situation. The last time I compared the two Google's real time traffic reroutung worked better so if I'm driving near a city or close suburbs at rush hour it's Google Maps. Does Apple Maps do a good job of notifying you when a faster route become available? Last time I checked a few years back Google Maps did it better than Apple Maps.

 

[nutriousmitten]

Google Maps has Driving Mode. We use it anytime that Apple Maps fails us. It's just ever-so-slightly better with certain destinations.
[doublepost=1492481069][/doublepost]I fail to see how displaying driving directions on the lock screen is a good thing. Does that not defeat the purpose of hands and eyes-free operation?

iOS doesn't have driving mode. Driving mode is where you just drive and Google will have the map up and show traffic on the streets and alert you of traffic on the road ahead etc. It will put things such as your home and work on the map, but doesn't assume you're driving to either. You don't have to enter a destination and all that, just drive. Use it daily as it works seem less and effortless.

Android is always going to get those Google things first and for a year or so more usually.

Directions on lock screen is better suited for walking or using transit, but a quick glance at your phone to get the next turn while driving is easier then unlocking the whole phone/screen as well.

 

[MargieMB]

It looks like Google Maps has discontinued the app for Apple Watch with this update. It was there a week ago.

 

[0014]

It looks like Google Maps has discontinued the app for Apple Watch with this update. It was there a week ago.

It appears so as it only lists iMessage now.

 

[Manatlt]

I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.

Google isn't the reason why Google Maps isn't available on CarPlay. Google would love to be in CarPlay, because they need more people using it to make their service better and destroy Apple Maps.

Talk to Apple, CarPlay is locked down completely from other Map 3rd party integration as they don't want less people using Apple Maps.

 

[Bart Kela]

Any mention of Google on this forum inevitably leads to someone moaning about privacy. Before doing so, I wish people would actually read Apple's privacy policy. If they did, they'd see that Apple and Google collect and use your information, personal and non-personal, in the exact same ways; including advertising. It's all right there for anyone who wants to discern fact from fiction. And just like with Google, any desire to bypass data mining is an opt-out situation, not opt-in.

I agree with you completely about opt-in, btw. I wish they all (Apple, Google, MS, etc.) were opt-in. They're not. They're pretty much all opt-out. To single out one seems disingenuous when they're all doing the same thing.

It's what they do with your data after they've collected it.

After reading everyone's privacy policies, go read their SEC filings.

Google sells your usage data. That's how they make money. 95% of their revenue is based on Google AdWords. For Apple, most of their revenue comes from hardware sales. Two totally different business models.

Apple does collect user data and sell it to advertisers, but that's not their main source of revenue.

There are always a few naive jokers who still think that everything from Google is free. It's not: your behavior is the product, not Gmail, Google Search, YouTube, etc.

Google is an online advertising agency. They use software (Android OS) and services (YouTube, Gmail, Google Search, etc.) to collect data that they sell to advertisers.

It's a fine business model, but criticizing people who bring it up is irresponsible since so many don't actually know how Google makes money.

 

[69Mustang]

It's what they do with your data after they've collected it.

After reading everyone's privacy policies, go read their SEC filings.

Google sells your usage data. That's how they make money. 95% of their revenue is based on Google AdWords. For Apple, most of their revenue comes from hardware sales. Two totally different business models.

Apple does collect user data and sell it to advertisers, but that's not their main source of revenue.

There are always a few naive jokers who still think that everything from Google is free. It's not: your behavior is the product, not Gmail, Google Search, YouTube, etc.

Google is an online advertising agency. They use software (Android OS) and services (YouTube, Gmail, Google Search, etc.) to collect data that they sell to advertisers.

It's a fine business model, but criticizing people who bring it up is irresponsible since so many don't actually know how Google makes money.

Pro tip: Large, bold, and colorful font does not ad gravitas to false information. It does make it glaringly noticeable though. There's so much wrong and misdirected in your quote it's hard to know where to begin. But I'll try.

Maybe you should read their SEC filings. You'll notice an absence of anything in it regarding selling customer data. How Google and Apple make most of their revenue is an oft used and entirely irrelevant red herring as it relates to data collection and advertising. Never once have I seen an argument saying Apple and Google make the same amount from advertising. It's definitely not in my quote. Bringing it up is just a misguided attempt at deflection from the topic; which is both companies do the exact thing that Apple fans rant about when it comes to Google.

Neither Google nor Apple (you claimed they both did) sell user data to advertisers. Full stop. Both Google and Apple use anonymous and aggregated data to sell advertising space to advertisers. The advertisers have no idea who you are. That, in no way, shape, or form can be misconstrued as selling user data. I'm not sure if you're being intentionally dishonest or genuinely didn't know. I'd hate do ascribe malice so I'm going to chalk it up to ignorance of the facts.

Nothing in my quote even hints at a thought process about Google services being free, as in something for nothing. In fact, I never mentioned it at all. Google plainly, simply, and in detail, tells you what the trade off is for their services. They also tell you in just as much detail how to limit (notice I didn't say eliminate) that data collection and tracking. Apple does the exact same thing.