With Google Maps, users may explore areas of interest, identify locations, and receive directions. It’s a really useful navigation tool. It is much more useful when paired with Google Assistant, which enables voice commands to access Maps functions hands-free. We’ll look at how to efficiently use Google Maps with Google Assistant in this guide.
1. Integrating Google Maps and Google Assistant
Set up Google Maps: Install the Google Maps app on your smartphone from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) if you haven’t already.
Start Google Assistant on your device to activate it. Saying “Hey Google” or pressing the Google Assistant icon will accomplish this.
Link Google Maps: Make sure your Google Maps account is linked to Google Assistant, if asked. Assistant can easily access Maps features thanks to this integration.
2. Fundamental Navigational Inputs
After Google Assistant and Google Maps are connected, you can use voice commands to carry out a variety of navigational tasks:
“Navigate to [destination]: Request that Google Assistant lead you to a certain location, like “Navigate to Times Square” or “Navigate to Starbucks nearby.”
Directions to [destination]: Ask for directions to a certain place, like “How to get to the closest gas station” or “Where’s the airport?”
“How long to [destination]?” asks how long it should take to get somewhere, such “How long to reach downtown?”
“Show traffic to [destination]: Ask Google Assistant to display traffic conditions to a specific area to receive real-time updates for your travel.
3. Locating Interest Places
Using Maps data, Google Assistant may assist you in finding local locations, eateries, stores, and more:
“Find [type of place] near me”: Use Google Assistant to locate particular kinds of establishments, such “Find coffee shops near me” or “Find pharmacies nearby,” and explore neighboring sites of interest.
“What are some good restaurants around here?” : Based on your current location, ask for suggestions for eateries, sights to see, or other places of interest.
4. Incorporating Waypoints and Stops
With Google Assistant, you can include stops or waypoints in your navigation route:
“Add a stop at [location]”: You can include a stop on your itinerary by saying something like “Add a stop at the grocery store.”
“Add a waypoint to [location]”: In your navigational instructions, enter the name of a waypoint or intermediate destination.
5. Monitoring ETA and traffic
Use Google Assistant to stay up to date on traffic conditions and expected time of arrival (ETA):
“What’s the traffic like on my route?” : Find out about any delays, accidents, or traffic jams along your intended route.
“What’s my ETA?” ask Google Assistant to provide you with an estimate of when you should arrive at your location given the flow of traffic.
6. Handling Preferences for Navigation
Use Google Assistant to personalize your navigational experience and preferences:
“Avoid tolls/highways/ferris”: Indicate whether you would prefer to stay off of toll roads, highways, or ferries while traveling.
“Switch to biking/walking mode”: If you’d rather take an alternate form of transportation, change the navigation mode to biking or walking.
7. Communicating While Navigating
You can communicate with Google Assistant while navigating to receive updates or make changes:
“Mute navigation”: Turn-by-turn navigation instructions that are momentarily muted.
“Show alternate routes”: See different routes that will get you to your destination and select the one that works best for you.
“Cancel navigation”: Go back to the map display and end the current navigation session.
8. Using Voice Quick Links
Voice shortcuts are supported by Google Assistant for typical navigation tasks.
“Hey Google, take me home”: Launch Google Maps navigation to your saved home address.
“Hey Google, take me to work”: Launch Google Maps and navigate to the address of your place of employment.
“Hey Google, show my commute” will bring up information like traffic and travel times for your regular commute.
9. Driving Using Hands-Free Navigation
Google Assistant offers hands-free navigation support when driving:
“Hey Google, navigate to [destination]” : Without contacting your device, begin navigating to a certain location.
“Hey Google, how’s traffic ahead?” : While keeping your eyes on the road, check the traffic conditions ahead on your trip.
10. Modifying and Personalization of Preferences
Keep Google Maps and Google Assistant updated for the latest features and functionalities:
Update Apps: To get new features and enhancements, frequently check the app stores for updates to Google Assistant and Maps.
Personalize Settings: You may adjust voice input, units of measurement, and map display options, among other things, by navigating through the settings and preferences in Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Use Google Maps with Google Assistant to its full potential for easy navigating, location finding, and trip assistance by following these instructions and mastering voice commands.