Google Maps will become more efficient for navigation in tunnels, but it will still not always work.
After integrating artificial intelligence and seeking to better protect the privacy of its users, Google has implemented a new feature in its Google Maps application for Android. Users now have the ability to activate an option to benefit from better guidance when passing through a tunnel, where the GPS signal cannot be received.
Better navigation in Parisian tunnels?
Google Maps uses Bluetooth beacons present in certain tunnels to identify your position in real time. Of course, the precision may not be as good as with GPS, but this solution is an interesting alternative while waiting to exit the tunnel and can help avoid taking the wrong path in the event of intersections.
This feature was already available in Waze, which explains that Bluetooth signals provide location data to your smartphone, and then the app uses that, in conjunction with mobile connectivity, to provide the vehicle’s live location.
Not all tunnels are equipped with Bluetooth beacons, so this new feature will be limited to certain specific areas. Waze, also owned by Google, has partnered with major cities around the world, including Paris, to use these beacons. Google has not communicated whether Maps benefits from the same agreements.
How to enable Bluetooth tunnel beacons?
Based on our findings, the feature is disabled by default. You must therefore take a brief look at the Google Maps settings to benefit from it.
- In the app, click on your profile picture at the top right to open the menu
- Select Settings
- Scroll down and tap Navigation Settings
- Almost at the very bottom of this screen, just above the Live View option, you can enable (or disable) the Bluetooth Tunnel Beacons feature
Google began rolling out the option in October 2023, but to a limited number of users. It is now accessible to everyone on Android. Availability on the iOS app has not been mentioned by the Mountain View firm.
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There is no doubt that Google Maps is the king application in the field of cartography and geolocation. Simple, practical and complete, it offers tons of features to its users, who take advantage of them on a daily basis to get to various meeting points. The various opinions also allow you to get a good idea of the quality of the addresses to which the user goes. Overall, it’s a must-have.
There is no doubt that Google Maps is the king application in the field of cartography and geolocation. Simple, practical and complete, it offers tons of features to its users, who take advantage of them on a daily basis to get to various meeting points. The various opinions also allow you to get a good idea of the quality of the addresses to which the user goes. Overall, it’s a must-have.
Source : SmartDroid
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