Google Maps For Android Gets “Driver Mode” Feature To Anticipate Your Next Stop

Android’s Google Map app will soon be able to advise users where to go next via its new “Driving Mode” feature.

According to a report on VentureBeat, the new feature will anticipate where a user wants to go and advise how best to get there.

A Google spokesperson told VentureBeat that users will be able to use the feature “with just one tap” by creating a shortcut on their home screen.

“With a simple shortcut on your home screen, you’ll head straight into the new driving mode so you’re sure to get where you’re going on the quickest route possible — without entering a destination,” said the Google spokesperson.

Google said users would be able to access information like ETAs, traffic updates, nearby gas prices and the quickest routes to familiar destinations “… all from your home screen.”

Venture Beat reports the new feature will be rolled out through the end of this week and will only be available to Android users. Also, it will be limited to English, and only in the following countries: the US, United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Once it’s available, users can create a shortcut by pressing on a phone’s home screen and selecting the “Google Maps Driving” shortcut icon from Android Widgets. Users can also access the new feature within the app by tapping the sidebar menu and selecting the “Start Driving” option.

When asked how it works, the Google spokesperson told VentureBeat that the destination predictions are based on recent search history and addresses that have set location history data.

“Based on location and time of day, Google Map driving mode will show ETAs for recently searched-for destinations,” said the Google spokesperson.

Postscript: Shortly after this story published, Google announced its new “Driving Mode” feature on the Google Maps Blog: Do I stay or do I go now? Google Maps has the answer in one tap.