In the matters of navigating around this island-city, many have taken to Google Maps (soz Apple Maps, we’re still not fans) for assistance.
Now, Google has stepped up its game once again. Earlier today, the company announced a new update to its mobile Maps app that brings a ridesharing feature – prominently for Uber and Grab – where you can book a ride directly without switching to the respective apps (or Google redirecting you there anyway).
Where previously all that Maps allowed was the checking of price estimates of the journey and beginning the process of hailing a ride, the integration system now shows the locations of all nearby available cars with options to book them as well.
Summarily, you can search for your destination on Maps, go to the ridesharing option, select the ride you want to book, and pay for the service — all without ever switching out from Maps itself (although you still need an Uber or Grab account to settle the transaction).
But all the above may sound familiar to users in the USA. Last year, Apple Maps implemented a similar function to hail rides from Uber and Lyft, and even social media giants like Facebook got in on the act by integrating Uber into Messenger. Google isn’t the first to implement the integrated ride-hailing feature, but for the vast majority of us who rely on our Maps app for everyday navigation, it’s a very welcome addition.
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