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  • Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes Soar in Price: Navigate the 20% Hike in this Popular Traditional Treat

    Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes Soar in Price: Navigate the 20% Hike in this Popular Traditional Treat

    Mooncakes, a beloved traditional treat during the mid-autumn festival, have seen a noticeable rise in price this year. The increase, ranging from 3 to 20 percent, is attributed to heightened costs for ingredients, labor, and packaging. As a result, consumers have found themselves paying more for the festive delicacies.

    The Price of Tradition

    Hoa, a resident of HCMC’s Gia Dinh Ward, was taken aback when she discovered that a pack of four mooncakes, which she purchased last year for VND700,000, is now priced between VND830,000-850,000 in many stores. Shockingly, some vendors even charge up to VND1 million for the same box.

    Locally-made mooncakes from small bakeries and shops are equally affected. Consumers can expect to pay 7-8% more for cakes with traditional fillings such as red bean, taro, and lotus seed paste. For mooncakes with mixed fillings, the price hike reaches 10%.

    Tran Tien Dung, proprietor of a long-standing mooncake bakery in HCMC’s Cau Kieu Ward, admitted to increasing his prices by 15% in response to a 30-40% surge in the cost of ingredients and labor.

    However, it appears larger manufacturers have taken a more conservative approach. KIDO, for instance, has only implemented a 3-5% price increase for some mooncake varieties, leaving the rest of its offerings at their original price.

    Online Shopping and Consumer Caution

    As the festival approaches, selling mooncakes online has become a widespread practice. Online offerings often include non-traditional fillings, such as tiramisu or molten salted egg. These mooncakes, often marketed as homemade, can be found at half or even a quarter of the price set by physical stores.

    However, the HCMC Department of Food Safety has advised consumers to be cautious when buying online. They stress the importance of purchasing from sellers who clearly state their production facilities and ingredient sources.

    Questions & Answers

    Why have mooncake prices increased?
    Prices have risen due to increased costs for ingredients, labor, and packaging.

    How much have prices increased for traditional filling mooncakes?
    Mooncakes with traditional fillings have seen a price increase of 7-8% this year.

    What advice has been given for buying mooncakes online?
    The HCMC Department of Food Safety recommends buying from sellers who clearly state their production facilities and ingredient sources.

  • Singapore Cruise Operators Navigate Rising Fuel Prices with Speed Cuts and Route Adjustments

    Singapore Cruise Operators Navigate Rising Fuel Prices with Speed Cuts and Route Adjustments

    Cruise operators in Singapore are taking measures such as reducing sailing speeds, modifying routes, and discontinuing promotional offers in an effort to mitigate the effects of surging fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. StarDream Cruises, which operates three vessels, disclosed that its operational expenses have increased primarily due to the global surge in fuel prices.

    The company’s president, Michael Goh, noted that while there have been minor adjustments made in certain areas of their network, the Asia itineraries, including those stopping in Singapore, have generally remained steady. These changes, made as part of regular operational optimization, have been managed carefully to ensure that the overall guest experience remains unaffected.

    In response to the escalating costs related to the Middle East conflict, StarDream Cruises announced a fuel surcharge of SGD15 (US$11.82) per person in March. The company has also implemented measures such as itinerary and route adjustments, speed management, and energy efficiency initiatives across its fleet.

    Cruise Industry Resilience Amidst Rising Costs

    Despite the rising fuel costs, international cruise arrivals to Singapore saw a 10% year-on-year increase in March, as stated by the Singapore Tourism Board. The board’s director of cruises, Chitra Rajesh Kumar, highlighted Indonesia, mainland China, and Malaysia as the top three source markets, with passenger numbers from these markets also seeing an increase.

    The primary marine fuel used by cruise ships experienced a global price surge from approximately $550 per tonne in February to around $1,060 per tonne in March. As of May 5, the price stood at $975 per tonne. This has prompted some operators to revise their routes in response to the geopolitical situation and the energy crunch.

    Several cruise operators have made similar moves, revising their schedules and routes to avoid areas of conflict and minimize exposure. For instance, Oceania Cruises has rerouted its ship Oceania Vista, originally set to transit the Suez Canal on a voyage from Singapore to Southampton in the United Kingdom, to now sail via Cape Town, South Africa, and up the continent’s west coast.

    Despite the challenges, the demand for cruise holidays has proven resilient. The Singapore Tourism Board noted that the cruise industry has demonstrated resilience with steady bookings for future months. This continues to be supported by sustained global interest in cruising, the strength of regional source markets, and excellent air connectivity.

    Questions & Answers

    What measures have Singapore’s cruise operators taken to manage rising fuel costs?
    Singapore’s cruise operators are reducing sailing speeds, modifying routes, and discontinuing promotional offers to manage the impact of rising fuel costs. They are also implementing energy efficiency initiatives across their fleets.

    How has the increased fuel price affected the cruise industry?
    While the price of marine fuel has significantly increased, the cruise industry has demonstrated resilience, maintaining steady bookings for future months. Cruise operators have adjusted their operations, such as rerouting ships and adding fuel surcharges, to manage these costs without significantly impacting the guests’ experience.

    How is the demand for cruise holidays in the current climate?
    The demand for cruise holidays remains strong, as indicated by steady advance bookings. The strength of regional source markets, sustained global interest in cruises, and excellent air connectivity contribute to this resilience. Despite the challenges, more travellers are exploring cruising as a convenient and value-driven option.

  • Navigate Your Holidays with Ease: Google Maps Unveils Four Exciting New Features

    Navigate Your Holidays with Ease: Google Maps Unveils Four Exciting New Features

    During the holiday period, traveling often becomes a necessity for many Americans, whether it’s by plane, train, or car. It’s a time synonymous with family gatherings, making it the ideal opportunity for Google to unveil some new updates for Google Maps. The company is rolling out four enhancements, all aimed at making your journey smoother and more informed.

    Pre-Travel Tips On Google Maps

    One of the significant updates is the addition of a feature dubbed “Things you should know before you go.” Google is incorporating AI capabilities into its applications, and Google Maps is no exception. When seeking directions to restaurants, hotels, or concert venues, scrolling down will provide users with key tips about the location. This is akin to having an expert guide providing you with insider knowledge.

    This feature utilizes reviews and other relevant information to provide essential tips – from how to make a reservation, to revealing secret menu items, and even providing parking advice to make your arrival hassle-free. Each tip can be tapped on for more details. The feature is currently rolling out for Google Maps on iOS and Android, with some users already reporting its presence on their devices.

    Enhanced Explore Tab in Google Maps

    Google is also revamping the Explore tab in Google Maps. A simple upward swipe in the Explore tab will now uncover trending dining spots, entertainment venues, and other points of interest. The feature is also designed to help users discover curated lists from trusted sources as well as local influencers. This update will be available on both iOS and Android devices within the month.

    AI-Powered EV Charger Availability

    For those driving electric vehicles (EV), Google Maps can already assist in locating an available charging station. However, the challenge lies in whether the port will still be available upon arrival. To overcome this, Google is using AI to analyze historical and real-time availability to predict how many chargers are likely to be free at your chosen charging station. This feature, accessible through a simple “EV chargers” search in Google Maps, will save users precious time and is set to roll out next week.

    Anonymous Reviews

    Lastly, Google is offering users the option to leave reviews using a pseudonym and a new profile picture tied to their reviews. This means users can share their experiences and recommendations without using their real names, providing a more comfortable way to leave feedback. Google assures that its built-in monitoring system remains in place to guard against fake and suspicious reviews. This feature will be available globally later this month on Android, iOS, and desktop.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new feature in Google Maps called “Things you should know before you go”?
    This is a new feature that provides users with key information and tips about a location before their visit. It utilizes AI to generate this advice based on reviews and other relevant data.

    How is Google improving the Explore tab in Google Maps?
    Google is revamping the Explore tab to include trending dining spots, entertainment venues, and other points of interest. It will also showcase curated lists from trusted sources and local influencers.

    How is Google using AI to improve EV charger availability on Google Maps?
    Google is using AI to analyze historical and real-time availability data to predict how many chargers will likely be free at a chosen charging station. This feature helps users avoid wasted trips to occupied charging stations.

  • Waze launches feature that alerts you to a back-breaking, butt-flying change to the road you’re on

    Waze launches feature that alerts you to a back-breaking, butt-flying change to the road you’re on

    One of the reasons to use Waze for navigation is the community that is quick to share their recent driving experience over the same roads that you travel on. So if there is a pothole causing an issue on a road, you’ll know about it thanks to those who already suffered from driving over it.  The best way to understand Waze is to look at Google Maps and Apple Maps as the apps to use for the all-around experience of driving to a location, finding places to eat, where to stay, and how you can be entertained.

    Waze is more focused on the actual journey taking you from point “A” to point “B.” Once you get to “B,” Google Maps and Apple Maps can take it from there until you start on the journey back home. And now, according to autoevolution, Waze has started pushing out a new feature that we first mentioned to you a little over a year ago. This feature was one of the most requested features by Waze users back in 2020: Speed Bump alerts.

    If you’ve ever had the privilege of driving full speed over a speed bump, you’ll know the “thrill” of having the “law” of gravity briefly repealed as your rear end takes flight. In February 2023, a member of the Waze team said that Speed Bump warnings were coming to the platform in the near future. Last month, Waze said that it would soon inform users about “sharp curves, speed bumps, toll booths, and more.”

    Now that fellow Waze users’ Speed Bump warnings are being passed along to those using the app, I should be able to read the warnings and slow down as my car approaches a speed bump. This should save me from feeling the pain as my back, damaged with multiple levels of “severe” spinal stenosis, is jostled by the speed bump. And even if you do see a speed bump at the last minute saving you from speeding over it, that last second braking could result in the car right behind you plowing into the rear bumper of your vehicle.

    Not all speed bumps are showing up, but the feature is still in its early days. As we said, the speed bump alerts are part of a new update that includes sharp curves and toll booths. Waze also allows you to choose from a wide selection of voices to guide you over the roadways and you can even choose your own voice to guide you. If you use a phone running iOS, you can install Waze by tapping on this link. If you use an Android device, you can install Waze by tapping on this link which will take you to the Play Store.

  • Waze updates how users report traffic conditions on its iOS and Android apps

    Waze updates how users report traffic conditions on its iOS and Android apps

    Google purchased Waze in June 2013 and the crowdsourced navigation app continues to focus on the actual journey from point “A” to point “B.” Google Maps, on the other hand, not only gets users from point “A” to point “B” quickly and safely, but it will also recommend to travelers places to eat, sleep, or find entertainment once they arrive at point “B.” Waze users report on certain traffic, road, and weather conditions to help others know what to expect in terms of delays or detours while alerting them to areas where there is a police presence.

    In the latest update to the iOS and Android versions of Waze, there is a new round orange hazard icon in the lower right corner. Tapping that icon takes the user to a screen that says “What do you see?” From this page, users can report various conditions that are affecting their journey on the highway and could impact fellow travelers. Some of these options include:

    Traffic

    •    Heavy
    •    Standstill
    Police
    •    Hidden
    •    Other side
     Crash
    •    Pile-up
    •    Other side
     Hazard
    •    Construction
    •    Car on shoulder
    •    Broken traffic light
    •    Pothole
    •    Objec
    Bad weather
    •    Slippery road
    •    Flood
    •    Unlowed road
    •    Fog
    •    Icy road
    Blocked lane
    •    Left lane
    •    Center lane
    •    Right lane
    Map Issue
    Closure
    Gas Prices
    Roadside help
    Map chat
    Place

    Waze also removed some traffic conditions from the app such as roadkill which had been listed under the “Hazard” category on the app. Another hazard, a car stuck in the middle of the road has been removed although there is an option under “Hazard” for a car on the shoulder of the road

    The update is currently rolling out to the iOS and Android versions of the Waze app. Interestingly, the update is live on my iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 17.3.1. You can install the Waze appon your iPhone by tapping on this link. If you have an Android device, press this link to get the app from the Play Store.

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  • Enable this feature now so that Google Maps for Android will work when you’re in a tunnel

    Enable this feature now so that Google Maps for Android will work when you’re in a tunnel

    Driving inside a tunnel is often an issue for those using a GPS app to help them navigate because of the inability of the signals to penetrate the tunnel. You might think that this doesn’t really matter with a tunnel since there isn’t much to do inside one except follow the road. But there are other reasons as Google points out in a support page. For example, staying connected in a tunnel allows location services to work, increases driver safety, and gives the driver better visibility into what’s happening inside the tunnel in real time.

    Google-owned Waze connects with Bluetooth beacons inside tunnels in certain cities such as “New York City, Chicago, Paris, Rio, Brussels, Oslo, Sydney, Boston, Mexico City, and more.” Google says, “The Waze Beacons program provides seamless navigation to drivers underground where GPS signals don’t reach.” And now Google Maps will also support Bluetooth beacons according to SmartDroid.

    The feature is disabled by default, but we’re going to tell you how to enable it right now. First, to be clear, this feature is available on Android phones only and cannot be used with Google Maps for iOS. So from your Android phone open Google Maps. Tap the round profile icon on the right of the search bar on the top of the phone. That opens a menu and you should then tap on Settings > Navigation settings and scroll down to the Driving options heading and look for Bluetooth tunnel beacons and toggle it on.

    The listing says, “Scan for Bluetooth tunnel beacons to improve location accuracy in tunnels.” Once you enable the feature, you will have to allow Google Maps to “find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices.” This feature appears to have been available for some Android users since last October but has recently been found on more Android devices.

    Follow the directions in the previous paragraph to enable the feature and if you see the listing titled “Bluetooth tunnel beacons,” it means that you do have the feature available for Google Maps. It appears on my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3.

    If you do drive through tunnels often and use an Android phone, you might want to take a second to enable this feature.

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  • Google Maps update will allow you to erase all traces of your visits, searches, and more

    Google Maps update will allow you to erase all traces of your visits, searches, and more

    An update from Google is adding some new features to Google Maps which Google discussed today in a newly posted blog. Right now, when you use Google Maps, your Location History is disabled by default. But when you do enable it, your driving activity is stored in the cloud and can be viewed in Google Maps’ Timeline feature. The Timeline feature in Google Maps will help you remember the places you’ve been to. After the update, your activity will be stored on your device although you’ll be able to update it to the cloud as an encrypted backup if you want to; with the encryption, even Google won’t be able to see your Location History.

    But keep in mind that Google is making a huge change in the amount of time that you can store your Location History before it is automatically deleted. Instead of holding this data for 18 months like it used to, Google will delete the information after just three months unless you want to keep the data for a longer period of time. You can even turn off the auto-delete controls if you’d like. These changes will be rolling out to Google Maps on both iOS and Android over the next year.

    Over the next few weeks, Google Maps users on iOS and Android will be able to delete place-related activity from Maps. Here’s how Google explains this: “Say you’re planning a surprise birthday party, and you get directions to a nearby bakery to pick up the cake. Soon, you’ll be able to see all your recent activity on Maps related to the bakery in one central place, and easily delete your searches, directions, visits, and shares with just a few taps. No one will know that you visited the bakery and the party can remain a surprise.

    While removing a location from your Timeline doesn’t get rid of all of the evidence showing that you visited a certain location, with this update you’ll be able to remove all traces of your visit to a specific location.

    When you first open the Google Maps app, there is a blue dot on the map that represents your current location. Pressing on the dot now will allow you to share your location, and even use a shortcut to save your parking spot. But soon you’ll be able to press the blue dot and see if your Location History or Timeline settings are turned on and whether you have given Maps access to your device’s location. This feature will be disseminated over the next few weeks for the iOS and Android versions of Google Maps.

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  • Google Maps will no longer show gas stations for EV drivers

    Google Maps will no longer show gas stations for EV drivers

    Google makes changes to its apps all the time and Maps is no exception to what seems to be an unwritten rule. Whether these changes are good or not for users, it remains to be determined. We can only hope that any anti-consumer decision will be rectified by the companies providing many of the services that we use.

    One of the important changes that will affect Google Maps for Android Auto in the not-so-distant future involves gas stations, which apparently will be removed for those who drive electric vehicles.

    Google has already confirmed the information, so expect this to be reflected in your Maps for Android Auto very soon. According to Google spokesperson Pearl Xu, “to help people get the most relevant information when navigating, last year we added the ability for EV drivers to see a shortcut for charging stations instead of gas stations on Google Maps for Android Auto.”

    The ability to see gas stations for EV drivers can be disabled in favor of the option to see charging stations since last year, but with the new change, Google Maps will no longer show gas stations as a category while navigating in an EV using Android Auto.

    If you’re using Google Maps for navigation purposes while driving an electric vehicle, you’ll soon notice that the top item will now show EV charging stations. In any case, here are some of the EV-specific features offered by the app, as highlighted by Google:

    • Real-time charging port availability: Just search for “ev charging stations” in Google Maps and you’ll see the real time availability of charging ports at nearby stations so you don’t have to wait in line.
    • Charging speed filters: The ‘very fast’ charging filter will help you easily find stations that have chargers of 150 kilowatts or higher. For many cars, this can give you enough power to fill up and get back on the road in less than 40 minutes. You can also use the “fast” chargers which will show you stations with chargers 50kW or higher.
    • Plug type filters: You can also filter for stations that offer your EV’s plug type so you only see stations with plugs that are compatible with your car.
    • Adding charging stops to trips: On any trip that’ll require a charging stop, Maps will suggest the best stop based on factors like current traffic, your charge level and expected energy consumption.
    • Charging stations in search results: We’ll also show you in search results when places like a supermarket have charging stations on-site. So, if you’re on your way to pick up groceries, you can more easily choose a store that also lets you charge your car there.
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  • Changes made by Apple is making iPhone users switch back to Apple Maps from Google Maps

    Changes made by Apple is making iPhone users switch back to Apple Maps from Google Maps

    Apple Maps was something of a mess for a long time, prompting users to download Google Maps instead. Things are finally getting better though and iPhone owners are beginning to appreciate the changes that Apple has made to its maps app.
    Google Maps used to be the default mapping app on the iPhone and iPad but that changed after iOS 6 was announced. Apple Maps had many bugs including misplaced labels for landmarks and businesses and missing roads in cities. The user experience was so bad that Apple CEO Tim Cook had to issue an apology for the frustration it caused.
    Apple Maps has improved to the point that many people are sticking with it instead of switching to Google Maps.
    Changes such as an attractive design, clear public transit direction, faster routes, and better management of the unpredictability of subway outages than Google Maps is making people like Jason Rabinowitz who switched to Android to use Google Maps more easily come back to Apple’s ecosystem.
    Jane Natoli, who considers herself a Google Maps power user, says she has started using Apple Maps more after her iPhone prompted her to use the app in an airport. The app was able able to detect that she was at the airport and recommended shops and restaurants in her terminal. Natoli also liked that it had clearer information than Google Maps. She also thinks that it’s easier to read Apple’s find directions when compared to Google Maps.
    “It made me kind of revisit and rethink some of my prior assumptions about it. Whatever initial reputational hurdles that Apple Maps faced, I think they’ve jumped over those.” – Jane Natoli
    Georgia Tech graduate Angelica Nguyen says that roads are easier to look at on Apple Maps and the view is not cluttered by points of interest.
    Even though the iPhone comes preloaded with Apple Maps, most users have downloaded Google Maps as an alternative, according to Canalys. But Apple Maps is more deeply integrated into iOS and services that need direction use Apple Maps.
    People generally like to use default options, according to user-experience consultant Peter Ramsey. So now that Apple Maps has improved, people have no reason to download Google Maps.
    Google Maps is still considered the better option by some when they are driving. And Apple still has a lot of work to do. Costume-design student Laura Pladziewicz says that Apple Maps misguided her when she was in Boston. Law student Noah Abdelaziz said the app suggested a route that lengthened his commute.
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  • Google Maps beta allows users to preset favorite mode of transportation

    Google Maps beta allows users to preset favorite mode of transportation

    Google Maps has become a versatile app that not only helps you get from point “A” to point “B” safely, it also recommends places to stay, where to get a meal, and things to see and do once you do arrive at point “B.” The app has over 1 billion monthly active users and is by far and away the most popular mobile navigation app found on the App Store and the Google Play Store.
    Google also owns Waze which has become something of an incubator for new ideas and features that eventually make their way to Google Maps. One of the new features coming to Google Maps will make it easier to preset the mode of transportation that you prefer.
    A panel covering approximately the bottom 35-40% of the display will allow Maps users to select which mode of transportation they prefer. Options include driving, walking, train (rail), bus, bicycle, ride service (Uber, Lyft for example), and bike & Scooter share. Under Route options, you can choose to avoid tolls, highways, and ferries. You can also select fuel-efficient routes and modes of transport that are wheelchair accessible.
    These settings can already be adjusted from the Google app by opening the app and tapping the profile picture in the upper right corner. From there,  go to Settings > Google Assistant > Account > You > Transportation. From that page, you can choose which mode of transportation you prefer. Obviously, it would be much more seamless to be able to set this from the Maps app which is what this beta update attempts to do.
    So far, this beta has not been disseminated widely. Additionally. When you select a particular mode of transportation with the new setup, it will remain the default choice for the next journey. Currently, Google Maps defaults to the mode of transportation that you used the last time that you leaned on the app for directions.

    For example, let’s say that you prefer walking from place to place. If you drove the last time that you used Google Maps, that is the mode of transportation that will be selected whenever you open the app. If Google pushes out the aforementioned update, you can select walking mode and that will be the default setting every time you need Google Maps giving you some extra time to enjoy some of the fun activities that Google recommends that you partake in when you arrive at point “B.”

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  • Waze users say they are not always being alerted about speed traps

    Waze users say they are not always being alerted about speed traps

    Google Maps is the most popular mapping and navigation app in the U.S. Google also owns Waze which it purchased for a price believed to be in the $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion range. Like Maps, Waze is an app that delivers turn-by-turn directions to help users safely and quickly get from point “A” to point “B.” However, Waze uses information that is crowdsourced to help enhance the data that users receive.

    The information crowdsourced includes police presence, accidents, traffic jams, and more. While Google has taken some features from Waze and added them to Google Maps (such as showing the speed limit on the screen, and the ability to report accidents, and police presence), there are still some major differences between the two apps. Waze’s navigation is mostly suited for cars while Google Maps provides directions for those walking, driving, biking, or taking public transportation.

    In addition, the Waze UI is less detailed than Google Maps as it focuses on the driver experience instead of listing places to go, things to do, and hotels to stay at every destination (which you’ll find on Google Maps). Waze also requires an internet connection while Google Maps will work even if you’re offline. If you drive along rural roads in the U.S. and use Waze, you might want to have Google Maps installed just in case you find yourself in an area without an internet connection.

    Waze users have recently been experiencing inconsistency, especially when dealing with police reports and speed traps. These users say that they are no longer receiving a speed trap alert when they drive toward a location where one was previously reported. While the speed trap does appear on the display as you move closer to it, there is no alert which means that in order to know that a police trap is ahead, the driver has to take his eyes off of the road and put them on the display.The Waze help page includes a question from a Waze user which asks, “I have alerts and notifications selected but I no longer get notified (about police and speed traps) and .. wondering if Waze is no longer allowed to do this? Or is anyone else experiencing this?” A Googler  responded that “People should still be receiving these alerts, we’re not aware of any bugs surrounding this at the moment.”

    He goes on to say, “Do keep in mind that there is a bit of a delay (some minutes) for these to appear. Also, if several people downvote the report when they get it, it becomes more likely that the report will disappear quite quickly. There is also a system that determines how trustworthy reports are from each user. While not too likely, it could always be that someone’s reports don’t actually get shown to other users based on their history.”

    Another thing to consider is that these alerts are directional. A notification alert about a temporary speed trap that you report will most likely not result in a notification for Waze drivers motoring in the opposite direction from you, even though it will be viewable on the app.

    The big issue here is the inconsistency of the feature. One Waze user pointed out that she is hearing the app alert her by saying “police ahead, but only “50% of the time.” Hearing that the odds of receiving an alert about a speed trap before driving into that trap is the same as picking heads or tails is not going to placate Waze users who depend on the app for that early warning so that they can slow down in time and avoid receiving a ticket from their friendly neighborhood police officer.

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  • Google Maps driving directions are going green

    Google Maps driving directions are going green

    Google has been hard at work keeping its Maps app top-notch these days, as it continues to compete in the neck-to-neck battle with Apple Maps. It’s been adding all sorts of features over the years, constantly improving your commuting experience—especially if you exploring a new city. Among many other things, it can now help you find great places to eat, sleep, and hang out, and even plan group get-togethers at a favorite joint.

    CNET has revealed that Google is rolling out a brand new feature to its driving directions function, this time aimed to help us live a little greener.

    Google Maps has announced it will be adding carbon emission minimization in its calculations for optimal driving directions. If there are two similar routes a driver could take, Google will now be able to take into account road inclines, traffic jams, and other factors in order to choose the least wasteful option. If the greener choice would significantly prolong the trip length, however, Google will let you know so that you can make the choice for yourself.

    Another upgrade Google Maps will be giving us is an improvement to its “Live View” alternate reality feature. Introduced in 2019, Live View superimposes virtual arrows onto the real world through your phone screen while you are walking, pointing you in the right direction. As of the new update, Google Live View will be available indoors in Westfield shopping centers across the U.S, including San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The company has promised to bring Live View to Zurich and Tokyo airports eventually as well.

    Alongside these updates, Google is also trying out grocery pick-up options in a partnership with Fred Meyer (a division of the Kroger grocer) to encourage social distancing and safety amidst the COVID pandemic. This feature is currently being tested in Portland, Oregon, and Google will be sure to let us know will let us know if it goes nationwide.

  • Google Maps update brings two new important features for commuters

    Google Maps update brings two new important features for commuters

    Google launched two new features for Maps, which will greatly help those using public transportation to commute every day. The new features, live traffic delays for buses and crowdedness predictions, will help Google Maps users to plan better for their transit ride.

    Since transit schedules aren’t always accurate due to real-time traffic conditions, Google has decided to launch live traffic delays for buses, a new tool that will feed Maps users with real-time info directly from local transit agencies.

    It will allow Google Maps users in select cities to see if their bus will be late, how long the delay will be, as well as more accurate travel times based on live traffic conditions along their route. The new feature will be visible on the map too, as you’ll be able to see exactly where the delays are on the map so you know what to expect before you get your bus.

    The second new features announced today is transit crowdedness predictions, which will allow Maps users to see how crowded their bus, train or subway is likely to be based on past rides. That way you’ll be able to take a more informed decision when taking a bus or waiting for the next one to arrive.

    Starting today, both new features will be available in Google Maps in nearly 200 cities around the globe on both Android and iOS.

  • Android Auto is getting a redesigned interface and Dark Mode

    Android Auto is getting a redesigned interface and Dark Mode

    Google last month announced an update for Android Auto that would change the way the app looks and works, and it is now finally rolling out to some regions. Google says that the refreshed interface was “built to help you get on the road faster, show more useful information at a glance and simplify common tasks while driving.”

    To streamline the experience and to make common tasks even easier to perform while driving, the latest Android Auto update introduces a redesigned bottom navigation bar. It allows users to control apps and media, manage incoming calls and notifications, and get directions on the same screen, with fewer taps required than before.

    The redesigned bottom bar also offers a way to better utilize screen real estate. Since Android Auto is a scalable experience, made to work on many types of displays with different sizes, aspect ratios, and resolutions, the UI design changes are aimed at making the app a consistent and well-optimized experience across the board.

    Speaking of UI changes, Dark Mode is also a thing now in Android Auto. It’s more of a visual change, rather than functional, but it should make using the app during the night a bit easier on the eyes. Google says that the new dark theme was designed to utilize more colorful accents and easier to read fonts to further improve visibility and reduce eye strain.

    The update seems to depend on a server-side switch, as is often the case with Google services, and not on the app version you’re running. Still, you can check if you’re on the latest version by heading to the Google Play Store.

    The new Android Auto update has started rolling out in the UK and US, so other regions where the service is available should start receiving the new features in the coming days/weeks.

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  • Google Maps is getting new features

    Google Maps is getting new features

    Over the past couple of years, software and technology have become considerably more aware of the user. This extends from using biometrics to unlock your phone, to having your vitals regularly checked by a smartwatch on your wrist, to getting pestered by a digital well-being assistant. Health monitoring as a whole has proven to be potentially life-saving many times on an individual scale. But what about large groups of people, possibly the populations of entire cities, who may be at risk?

    Google Maps already provides relevant information during times of crisis with SOS alerts. These include real-time updates on the situation, a map of the affected area, emergency contact information, and translations for common phrases in the local language. With the latest update to Maps, SOS alerts are expanding with more detailed visuals and a new crisis navigation system will try its best to get you—and potentially hundreds, if not thousands of others—out of harm’s way.

    For example, in the case of a hurricane, you’ll automatically get a crisis notification card on Google Maps in the days leading to the expected disaster. The map will also display the predicted trajectory of the storm, alongside times when the hurricane is expected to hit certain areas in your vicinity. If you happen to be driving through an affected region on the day of the storm, you’ll get a suggestion for a safer route alternative. Such suggestions will be offered for all types of disasters while driving, starting later this summer.

    In the case of an earthquake, the crisis notification card will display a shakemap, which is a visualization of the earthquake’s epicenter, magnitude, and how surrounding areas were affected. Flood forecasts will notify you of possible floods, as well as where they are likely to occur, and where the waters are expected to flow. Google says this is especially important in regions like India, where over 20 percent of global flood-related fatalities occur.

    The revamped SOS alerts system will start rolling out to Android, iOS, and the web version of Google Maps in the coming weeks. Flood visualizations will first launch in Patna, India, and will spread to neighboring regions, and eventually globally, though curiously they won’t be coming to iOS, at least initially.

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