Google Maps updates: voice directions for pedestrians become more accurate

Google Maps is getting a new update focused on improving voice guidance for all pedestrians and especially the visually impaired. The app now helps them reach their destination more easily by reminding them of the right direction, the distance between them and the distance between the next turning point, or by warning them to be more careful when approaching an intersection.

Last month, the XDA Developers site spotted lines of code on Google Maps that reported better voice directions for pedestrians. Google has only formalized the feature, which is not useful for: all pedestriansbut it allows visually impaired to walk more comfortably and safely. More detailed voice commands let them know when to turn, warning them to be more careful when approaching an intersection. If the user accidentally deviates from his course, he is always steered in the right direction.

Google Maps now offers more accurate voice directions

As Google explained in a press release on its site, this new feature of Google Maps is very practical for people with visual impairments or low vision. They can now walk more confidently on the street. All pedestrians can also use it for a better experience, especially avoiding looking at the screen regularly from their smartphones.

This is the second pedestrian feature this year, after augmented reality navigation, which allows instructions to be placed directly around you, thanks to your smartphone’s camera, arrived a few months ago. As for the new voice instructions, they are available today in the Android and iOS versions of Google Maps, but only in English and Japanese. The option can be enabled in the navigation settings. Google states that support for other languages ​​will come very quickly.