Google has announced fresh improvements for Google Maps’ Live View feature, its augmented reality-based walking directions. It was first launched last year, allowing users to see arrows and directions through the rear camera as well as displaying distance markers on top of the real world to tell them where to go.
The latest improvements include the ability to see nearby landmarks so you will be able to orient yourself with your surroundings. You will see how far a landmark is from your current location and Live View will show you the routes you need to take in order to reach that place. This capability will be live soon on Android and iOS in many cities worldwide including Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Dubai, Florence, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Kyoto, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan, Munich, New York, Osaka, Paris, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo, and Vienna, with more regional expansion set in the future.
Another new feature is the ability to open Live View from the transit tab in Maps when you’re on a trip that requires you to take a walk. Live View in Location Sharing will also be available on Android and iOS in the near future. This was initially announced for the Pixel phones last month when Android 11 became available. Live View in the transit tab and Location Sharing will be available on Android and iOS in the next few weeks.
In addition, Maps also added improvements to its pin, taking into account the elevation of a place to more accurately display its location in Live View. This feature will also be rolled out in the coming weeks.
