The news couldn’t be better for Android users.
Google Maps got a new widget on the home screen that will allow faster navigation.
The new Google Maps widget for Android includes a search bar
The novelty that is now being presented to Android users is part of a set of launches that Google is making for its YouTube Music, Google Keep, Calculator, Clock and Google Phone applications. The new Google Maps widget also anticipates the launch of the Android 12 operating system.
But what surprises does the new Google Maps widget hold for Android users? Through this widget, users have access to a search bar, shortcuts to the stores closest to the current location and the places most frequented by the user. All together it allows Android users to start route navigation much faster.
The new Google Maps widget was first spotted by the leaker MishaalRahman on his Reddit account, where he shared a screenshot of the widget. In the image it is possible to see a search bar, four to eight navigation shortcuts to the places most frequented by the user (home, work, etc.) and common search places such as fuel pumps.
The Google Maps widget is compatible with Android 12
By all appearances, the new Google Maps widget supports Android 12 dynamic themes, but it appears to have Android 11 support as well.
Note that the Android widget is similar to the two iOS widgets released earlier this year for Google Maps version 5.74 for iOS. Remember that one of the widgets allows users to check gas stations or restaurants near their location, while the second allows users to check traffic and location details.
