4 unstated methods to maximise Google Maps in CarPlay and Android Auto

To say I am depending on Google Maps is perhaps an understatement. Whereas I can drive to acquainted locations with none assist, I am not a kind of individuals who has the town’s grid memorized — if I stray off-course, it is fairly simple for me to get misplaced. Even after I do know the place I am going, I like seeing the visitors scenario, and getting reminders that I must exit or change lanes. I swear that some metropolis planners enjoyment of placing exits and merges in probably the most inconvenient locations — I am taking a look at you, Austin.

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to make Google Maps simpler to make use of in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hopefully you already know a number of of these items, but when not, this record ought to make the expertise a bit of smoother. Bear in mind to concentrate to the highway, nonetheless — it’s possible you’ll must strive a few of these ideas whenever you’re parked or on an extended straightaway.

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1

Load up your route earlier than you flip in your automobile

A cellphone is at all times sooner

Google / Pocket-lint

Let’s face it — as handy as it’s to have Google Maps in your dashboard, it is typically cumbersome to enter a brand new vacation spot that method. Voice recognition does not at all times get issues proper, and dashboard contact keyboards are awkward at finest. You possibly can’t even entry the Maps keyboard as soon as your automobile is in movement — it is a security measure.

You will get round these points by launching instructions in your cellphone earlier than CarPlay or Android Auto kicks in. When you flip in your automobile, Maps might be able to roll. That is particularly helpful if you have to make a number of stops — in any other case, it’s possible you’ll find yourself plotting issues out for a couple of minutes in your automobile seat. I would by no means need to plan a cross-country journey solely by way of CarPlay.

Generally, merely looking for a location might be sufficient to streamline issues. That is as a result of the app has a Current searches operate whenever you begin navigation recent — if you happen to appeared up a specific place a couple of minutes in the past, all you need to do is faucet on its identify in search historical past.

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2

Customise your map view

Get no extra or at least what you want

Google

Google Maps has loads of visible choices for in-car navigation, however these can doubtlessly be complicated, whether or not by providing an excessive amount of or too little information. In case you faucet on the gear icon (in Android Auto) — or else the journey card, then the gear icon (in CarPlay) — you’ll be able to toggle the app’s Visitors, Satellite tv for pc, and 3D Buildings layers. Strive disabling the Satellite tv for pc and 3D Buildings choices if you happen to’re discovering navigation visually chaotic.

In case you like, you may as well handle Alerts by means of this menu. Be cautious about turning them off — whereas it will decrease distractions, the very last thing anybody desires is to overlook a warning that would’ve saved you minutes and even hours of journey time. When the app says there’s an accident or main congestion forward, it is best to take it significantly. I’ve discovered that the arduous method.

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3

Silence navigation prompts

Another choice it is best to train with warning

Considered one of my pet peeves about Google Maps is the way it steadily interrupts my music and podcasts, regardless of if I am already effectively conscious of the place I am going. It may’t learn my thoughts, after all, and that is the most secure default setting, however I will typically get two or three interruptions in lower than 30 seconds after I’m taking a freeway off-ramp.

You possibly can mute audio instructions by tapping the speaker icon whereas driving. Android Auto customers have a bonus right here, since in addition they get a middle-ground Alerts solely setting that warns them of upcoming hazards. Regardless, it is most likely finest to modify audio prompts again on whenever you’re driving in an unfamiliar space — it is simple to overlook a flip with visual-only prompts, since your eyes are speculated to be on the highway more often than not.

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Simplify sudden route modifications

I will admit it — it doesn’t matter what journey I am on, I will often simply punch in my remaining vacation spot, even when I do know I will want gasoline, meals, or a battery cost alongside the way in which. That makes it crucial to know add stops on the fly. All skilled drivers ought to have the ability to do that, actually, since you’ll be able to’t at all times rely on indicators pointing the way in which. In locations like rural Texas, gasoline stations may typically be dozens of miles aside — lacking one can imply operating dry in the course of nowhere.

In Android Auto, faucet on the magnifying glass icon within the journey card. CarPlay customers must faucet on the journey card first, then Add cease. Both method, it is best to see a listing of one-tap search classes, reminiscent of Gasoline Stations, Eating places, and Espresso. Faucet on one, and you will be offered with places alongside your route.

Do not fret if you have to go someplace particular that does not fall inside Google’s presets. Voice searches are potential, and when circumstances permit, it is best to have the ability to sort one thing in. In some conditions, I would nonetheless advocate parking someplace first to make a extra knowledgeable resolution, and re-order your stops if vital.

Talking of which, there is a most of 10 stops on any given route, so bear that in thoughts if you happen to’re going cross-country or making loads of deliveries. Additionally, whereas Google Maps will typically resume your routes routinely if you happen to get out of your automobile for a couple of minutes, on-the-fly routes are most likely going to fade after something longer than that — they should keep lively in your cellphone’s reminiscence. Most individuals do not preserve a driving app operating whereas they’re exploring a theme park or watching a film with associates.

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