Google this week announced a new feature for Google Maps app for Android and iOS that will make it easier to explore your surroundings. Google is adding a new Explore button to the bottom right corner of your map. It will give you a quick look at what is around you.
With Explore as your guide, you’ll see different places and activities that adapt to each area and moment throughout your day. This also works when you’re browsing other neighborhoods and cities on the map so you can plan your day’s outing or daydream about your next vacation.
Explore lets you define exactly what “nearby” means. Options range from a 5 minute walk to a 20 minute drive. Recommendations also change based on contextual information such as the time of day and the weather. In other words, Google will not recommend you going to visit the local park if a thunderstorm is on its way.
More information is also available once you reach your destination. Google Maps can provide details such as restaurant reviews and transit schedules. Google also adds that the best results require that you be signed in with location reporting and history turned on.
Explore is being rolled out to Google Maps with a server-side switch meaning that you will not need to download a new version of the app. The button will appear automatically when available in your area.
Source : Google Maps blog