Google Maps Can Do That?

Even if you use Google Maps on your smart phone, taking a look at a recent article in Fast Company by JR Raphael (“12 Incredibly Useful Things You Didn’t Know Google Maps Could Do“) might just be a game changer for you.

We won’t ruin all of the surprises. Just a few of them.

For instance, you can go completely hands free. “We’ve all been guilty of glancing down at our devices while driving-to look ahead at the next turn, perhaps, or see how long is left in a commute. If you have an Android phone, there’s a better way: Google Maps has a whole series of helpful voice commands that’ll work whenever you’re actively navigating. Just say “Okay, Google” and then try variations on these examples: “What road is this?” “What’s my next turn?” “What’s my ETA?” “Avoid tolls” “Find gas stations”.”

Here’s another. You can remember where you parked by opening up “Maps on your iPhone or Android phone and tap the little blue dot that represents your current location. That’ll pull up a hidden menu with some handy options-including the ability to save your current parking location. You can add in your own supplementary notes or photos and even set a timer to remind you when it’s time to move your car.”

Okay one more, but then you’re going to have to read the article yourself.

You can go back in time! “Google Maps has a little-known feature that lets you look at the Street View for any area as it existed at various points in the past.”