Google will allow searching for products in Maps to simplify holiday shopping.
Avoid doing all your gift shopping the night before.
Google has incorporated new features in Maps related to travel and shopping, aimed at making it easier to search for local products and helping users optimize their time during peak demand periods. From now on, users will be able to search for items such as home goods, clothing, and electronics, and locate nearby stores that offer them. This enhancement is especially useful for those needing to make last-minute purchases during the holidays.
Search results in Maps will display listings of individual products alongside locations where general examples of the desired items can be found, such as "Christmas sweaters.” The presentation of these listings resembles that of products in Google Shopping, but includes useful information such as the distance to the store and whether the product is in stock.
Additionally, the update allows for better trip planning, as Maps users can check and report weather-related disruptions, such as flooded roads or uncleared snow. Users, as well as public transportation agencies, have the ability to report delays in bus or train routes, keeping travelers informed and minimizing the impact on their travel plans.
For electric vehicle drivers with integrated Google, it is possible to plan their routes through their phones and send them directly to the car. This includes charging stops, and Maps can indicate which charging stations are compatible with the vehicle’s connection type by checking its make and model. Furthermore, for those needing to transport bulky items in trailers, Maps has added the option to enter load dimensions in the vehicle's app, displaying suitable routes that avoid low bridges and tunnels.
