- Google has added a new augmented reality based feature to Google Maps that makes it easier to find out which direction to walk
If you have ever used the walking directions feature on Google Maps while walking around downtown in a big city, then you know how tricky it can be to navigate. The navigation has a hard time detecting exactly where you are. Fortunately, Google Maps for iPhone and Android now has a new feature that shows you exactly where you need to turn using a large arrow on the screen. This new feature is called Live View.
The Live View feature shows the area around you with the phone camera. And the feature uses augmented reality to place huge arrows that tell you when you should turn left or right. As you move the phone around, you will see the arrows pointing in the right direction. Live View is just available for walking navigation as of right now.
Here is how to set up Live View:
Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device
Step 2: Type in the address of the place you want to go and tap on the location
Step 3: Tap on the directions
Step 4: Select the Walking icon
Step 5: Tap on the blue Live View button (next to the Start button)
“With Live View, you can use augmented reality (AR) to better understand which way to go. Arrows and directions are placed in the real world to guide your way, helping you identify exactly where to make those tricky turns or which way to start your walking journey,” said Google Maps AR Staff UX Lead Rachel Inman in a blog post. “There’s still more work to be done to improve this feature. However, given the positive feedback we received from the Local Guides community, we’re hopeful that Live View, even in its beta form, can help people in those crucial moments when GPS and compass simply don’t cut it.”
