Last year Google introduced ride-sharing services into their Maps application as a form of transportation type alongside the car, public transport and walking. This year, the software giant is taking that implementation one step further.
Left: Old interface, Right: New interface
In a recent blog post, Google revealed that they’re rolling out the ability to book rides from the likes of Uber and Lyft directly from Google Maps on both Android and iOS devices globally. They’ve also given it a new look with a carousel-like appearance. Tapping on each ride-hailing service also reveals any deals they happen to have ongoing.
In Malaysia, it is likely that Lyft will be replaced with Grab instead, as the local ride-sharing service is already listed in the current Google Maps ride-sharing tab.
Google also says that you won’t even need to have the Uber app installed on your smartphone to use this feature. Just sign in to your existing Uber account and you’re good to go.
But that’s not all. Google’s also adding some features to the Maps app so it can give you more information about your destination during transit. Google’s example was a restaurant where the Maps app shows a detailed listing of the eatery’s menu items along with their pricings.
This does seem like an awesome addition to an already awesome navigation and mapping application and I look forward to trying it out. Unfortunately, I still have not received the updated Maps app yet.
Have any of you received it? Let me know in the comments below.
