If you are aware of all the things that Google Maps can do, you will surely open it every day but not just to get directions to your desired location. Google Maps has a powerful search tool that lets you access crowdsourced real-time data on restaurants, professional offices, public parks, retail stores, and practically everywhere you want to go.
Google Maps is already known for its powerful features like pay for parking, sidewalk maps, and improved location sharing. Undoubtedly, you were familiar with these navigation tools offered by the app, but do you know about the other hidden features that are as useful as they can be? If not, that is what this article is for. Here, you will get to know about the hidden superpowers that Google Maps has. Read on for detailed information on the hidden features in Google Maps.
Check How Long the Line Is Everywhere From Walmart to the DMV
It is always a good idea to check how busy your destination is. Especially if you are heading out to a grocery store, Walmart, the doctor’s office, or to renew your driver’s license, these places experience long queues most of the time. So, why not check in advance and plan your day accordingly, when you have Google Maps and its clever features.
To get this information from the Google Maps app, just tap on the location you want to visit, and then scroll down to see a graph labeled Popular times. Here, you can tap on the red column to check the current foot-traffics. Also, you can check general information like peak wait times and length of average visit under the heading Plan your visit.
Check Out Menus, Photos, and Customer Reviews
As good as Google Maps is a navigation tool, it is also a full-blown and trustworthy review app. Almost similar to Yelp or TripAdvisor, on Google Maps as well, you can get a good idea of the type of food a restaurant offers, their food presentation skills, ambiance, and its price. This feature will help you make or break your decision to try someplace new. For those who like to go with the individual customer reviews, then you will have plenty of them here. On most restaurant listings you find the options to check out the Overview, Menu, Reviews, and Photos at the top of the navigation bar.
Place an Order for Carryout or Book a Table
Once you have decided on the restaurant you are going to try, you can then make a reservation for the same without leaving the Google Maps app. Also, you can order carryout or delivery from within the app. To do so, tap on the option named Find a Table or Reserve a Table under the Menu tab. To order for carryout or delivery, tap on the option labeled Place an order, and you will get the list of available services to choose from.
Get the Google Assistant on iPhone
To use Google Assistant on Google Maps in the iPhone, tap on the triple-bar menu icon towards the left of the search bar, followed by Settings. Under the Getting Around section at the top of the page, tap Navigation, then scroll down to find the option named Access your Assistant with “OK Google” to turn on its toggle switch. Now, every time you will use the command “OK Google,” you will have the Google Assistant summoned up instead of Siri.
We hope that Google Maps is no more the app on your phone that only consumes space, but is more useful than just giving directions.
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