Google has launched a new Google Maps feature called Explore, letting you get to know your local area better.
The Android and iOS Google Maps apps have now been updated with the new Explore button, which offers information on the local businesses in your immediate vicinity.
“Now, whenever you want to discover places in your area, simply tap the new Explore button at the bottom right hand corner of your map to get a quick look at what’s nearby (where available),” explained Google. “With Explore as your guide, you’ll see different places and activities that adapt to each area and moment throughout your day.”
What’s great about the new Explore feature is that it’s customisable. When you initially hit the button, you’re presented with restaurants and activities to browse that are within a 5 minute walk of your current location, open at the current time and it’ll also let you know what the weather’s like outside, in case that influences your decision.
However, if that doesn’t float your boat or fill your needs, you can adjust the boundaries up to 15 minute walk or 20 minute drive away. You can also set whether you’re looking for local businesses accessible during the morning, night, evening or other time of day.
You can also look for local hotspots for any location you are searching for in Google Maps. Know you’re heading out for a meeting later and want to grab some lunch on the way back? Tap the Explore button when you’ve search for that location and see what’s about.
Results are filtered by criteria like top restaurants, quick bites, museums, parks, bakeries, or even as broad as Play & See.
If you’re on an Android device, the explore button is even better, as it will quickly offer you useful information such as restaurant reviews, transport schedules and other info. These details will improve as you confirm which locations you’ve been visiting too.
Read more: Best sat-nav 2014
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
