Google Maps Being Added to Apple Products for Universal Use in Cars
You’re driving down the road, and you’re in a part of town you don’t know very well, but when you look at your maps for directions, it just causes more issues. That’s a familiar story when working with GPS navigation by Apple, but not with Google Maps. By far the most popular app for GPS Navigation, Google Maps is used by many for finding places of interest, searching the surrounding area, and of course, giving driving directions. Now, drivers and consumers can enjoy the easy-to-use Google Maps in their car!
Yes, it’s true. Although many vehicles already come available with GPS Navigation through the popular Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Uconnect infotainment system, now in its fifth generation, it’s just not the same. Some consumers tend to look at aftermarket systems, but it’s just adding more cash on top of buying a car. Uconnect has redesigned its infotainment system to mirror smartphones, even the home screen when plugged in, but depending on what smartphone you had, you may not be able to use your favorite maps app.
Well now you can. It doesn’t matter if you have a smartphone operating the Android OS or the iOS, Google recently announced an update that will improve the use of Google Maps for Apple CarPlay and the Apple Watch. Hmm, a third-party improving your own tech? How embarrassing for Apple…
Of course, Apple didn’t allow third-party mapping applications until March 2020, but still. Up until now, Apple smartphone users were stuck using Apple Maps on the dashboard screen, or how to make use of Google Maps some other way, with a different phone or via the browser. That just leads to more time with your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. Why take that chance?
Instead, take a look at the new Google Maps. In this new update from Google, the new Google Maps comes with a unique feature. Maps will actually be launched into the CarPlay dashboard where drivers usually see their home screen along with messages waiting to be read, music playing in the background (now on screen for easily navigating through songs), and other apps, now alongside their driving directions. Sounds pretty neat, and the image above looks like a pretty convenient set up.
Google isn’t stopping there, though. Google is also bringing Google Maps to the Apple Watch. Able to receive turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps, consumers can launch the app on their Apple Watch. It’s an easy-to-use feature for people on-the-go, biking or walking around town, or even just not being able to look at your dashboard because someone else is currently playing DJ.
Of course, Apple Maps already supports some of these features, but if consumers really liked it that much, Google wouldn’t need to offer their app on an Apple product. Just saying the facts, people. Now, whether an Android fan or an Apple fan, you can get Google Maps in your car for easy driving directions no matter where you end up. Check out a new car from Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for the Uconnect system and its smartphone capability.