Google Maps is one of the most popular apps for navigation. The search giants map application helps millions of users every day find their way around the town. It even helps businesses like Uber and Ola in finding customers as well. Now, Google is seeking to finally integrate its AR capabilities to the maps for real-time directions. The new feature was announced earlier this year and is finally rolling out for Android and iOS.
Google Maps Live View
Google has already shown its prowess with augmented reality being integrated into smartphone cameras. It first appeared on Pixel phones and showcased real-time navigation in Google Maps through the lenses of handsets. The new feature allows users to hold up their phones and be directed via an arrow that provides direction to the destination.
The navigational features overlap on top of the camera view and make it far easier to locate buildings and landmarks around you. Nowadays, most modern smartphones feature an inbuilt function that facilitates augmented reality. In Android, it is called ARCore while iOS includes Arkite support. It allows devices to access Google Maps Live View which is in beta this week.
How To Try It Out
- Users must first search for a location by typing it out or selecting it on the map.
- Tap on the directions button at the bottom to start navigating.
- Users must now select walking directions at the top of the screen.
- Finally, tap on the new Live View option at the bottom of the screen.
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The new Google Maps Live View feature is just a part of a much larger update to the mapping service. The company wants Travel and Maps to be a complete service through which trips are planned from the start to the end.
First introduced in 1997 on the Nokia 6110, the Snake game became an instant hit because of how simple and captivating it was at the same time. Needless to say, the game was continually modified into different forms as time progressed, but the basics remained the same. Users play as a snake, which has to keep eating “bits” or “food” to increase the score. Players would lose if they make contact with the walls or themselves while moving around the sandbox. 
To experience the snake game on the Maps app, just open the sidebar in the application and select the “Play Snake” option. Note that the game doesn’t include a “classic” snake, instead, players will play as a means of transport if that makes sense. There are a total of six cities in the game, which are Cairo, São Paulo, London, Sydney, San Francisco, and Tokyo. Furthermore, there is also the option of a “world” map that users can check out. The vehicle depends on the city the players choose. For instance, if users choose to play in the London map, they will get to play as a double-decker bus, and if users select Tokyo, they spawn as a Bullet train.
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As per reports, the AR version of the Maps is still in the making. Google previously previewed another version for developers in May 2018. The interesting part of that was that Google showed maps on the lower part of the screen. The rest of the screen helped the user navigate the real-world surroundings. Google also used a blinking arrow system, which was almost alike to the arrow in Google’s previous presentation. 
Wall Street Journal’s David Pierce noticed some more intriguing details about this demo feature. After orienting itself to the surroundings, the Google AR version of Maps kept prompting David to put his phone down, so that he doesn’t hit an obstruction. Similarly, WSJ said that the app should be used by more users to test out its features. But the guide for the same wasn’t available anywhere on the app.
