Google Maps for Android Gets Voice Controls, Elevation Info for Cyclists

Google has updated its Maps app for Android to version 8.2, bringing voice controls for vehicle navigation inside the app and elevation information for bicyclists.

Google Maps users on Android will now be able to control the application with various voice commands. Google has put in a microphone button in the navigation interface on the search bar, and users can click the icon to use voice commands like "navigate to" or "show traffic". Users will also see a microphone icon on the bottom left while in navigation mode.

The in-app voice control feature for Google Maps will be even more useful when the company completely rolls out its hotword detection from any screen as it will eliminate the repetitive tapping on the microphone button.

Other than that, Google has also added elevation info for bicyclists. It gives them an estimate of the elevation and distance of the elevation as it changes along a route. Users will see a line graph like demonstration suggesting height and slopes on the route.

At present, Google Maps v8.2 for Android is still rolling-out globally, and is not available in India. Users can wait for the update or can either download the signed apk by Phandroid. Google had notably updated the Maps app on Thursday, which along with bug fixing added support for Android Wear devices.

Earlier this week, Google had also updated its Maps app for iOS to version 3.2.0, bringing the ability to show search results with descriptions right on the map. The app also brings a reworked Explore feature and a Gmail account integration displaying reservations and important appointments directly on the Google Map.