Where would we be without our smartphone’s unbelievably convenient and helpful map features? For some of us, the maps app is the sole reason why we don’t get to and from destinations an hour late. A map’s GPS capabilities are good enough for some users, but why stop there? Apple has introduced a number of new map features that are about to make your life (and your journeying) that much easier and more pleasurable. Tech Expert Minhajul Islam at Gamescoinpro gives SHEFinds.com a breakdown of three new map features that Apple has introduced that will change your life (and keep you on the right path — literally).
Look Around:
The “Look Around” feature on the iPhone’s built-in Maps app allows users to view a street-level, 360-degree panoramic image of their surroundings. “This feature can be particularly useful when trying to navigate to a new location, as it allows users to get a sense of the layout of the area and identify landmarks or points of interest,” Islam said. “Additionally, it can also be used to explore an area before visiting it in person, allowing users to plan their trip more effectively.”
One of the main advantages of the “Look Around” feature is that it is based on real-world imagery, which can be more accurate and detailed than traditional map data, according to Islam. He notes that this can be especially helpful when trying to navigate in unfamiliar areas, as it can provide users with a more realistic view of their surroundings. “Additionally, the feature is also available in select cities, which means that users can easily explore new places, even if they are not physically present,” Islam said.
There’s a caveat though: the feature is not yet available in all cities and towns, so it may not be useful for users who are traveling to areas that are not yet covered by the feature. “Additionally, the feature requires a strong internet connection to work properly, so it may not be reliable in areas with weak or no internet coverage,” Islam said. “Also, the feature may not be as useful for people with visual impairments as it relies on visual representation of the area.”
Favorite Locations:
If you have certain locations that you always return to and would rather not have to plug them into your phone every day, you’re going to love the “favorite locations” feature. “The ‘favorite locations’ feature on an iPhone is a convenient tool that allows users to save specific addresses, such as their home or work, for quick access and navigation,” Islam said. “This feature makes it easy for users to find directions to frequently visited locations without having to manually enter the address each time. It can save time and make the navigation process more efficient.”
One of the main advantages of the “favorite locations” feature is the convenience it provides. Users can easily access the addresses they need without having to search for them in their contacts or recent search history, Islam says. “This can save a lot of time and make it easier to navigate to a specific location. Additionally, users can quickly access navigation to their saved locations, which can be especially useful for people who are always on the go.”
Another advantage of the “favorite locations” feature is that it allows users to easily find directions to their saved locations. “This is especially useful for people who are not familiar with a specific area or who need to navigate to a location they do not visit often,” Islam said. “By saving a location as a ‘favorite,’ users can quickly access directions to that location whenever they need to.”
Some drawbacks of the feature include that it requires manual input of address info and, depending on your iOS version and device, you are limited in the number of favorite locations you can input, according to Islam.
Indoor Maps:
Why limit map capabilities to the outside world? That’s the thinking behind the integration of Apple’s “indoor maps” feature. “The ‘indoor maps’ feature on the iPhone allows users to navigate and explore indoor spaces, such as malls, airports, and museums,” Islam said. “This feature uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to create a map of the indoor environment and to determine the user’s location within that environment. The indoor maps feature can be a valuable tool for users who need to navigate unfamiliar indoor spaces, such as when traveling to a new airport or visiting a new shopping center.”
One major advantage of the indoor maps feature is that it can help users save time by quickly locating the specific store or landmark they are looking for, Islam says. “Additionally, for people with visual impairments, the feature can provide a valuable aid for navigation. The indoor maps feature can also be useful for people who have mobility issues, such as those using a wheelchair, by providing information about accessible routes and elevators.”
One major drawback of this feature is that it is only available in a limited number of indoor spaces, so it may not be useful in many common indoor environments, according to Islam — also, it relies on having a strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection.
Go on and get lost — or, rather, don’t be afraid to get lost (whether you’re outdoors or indoors). Apple’s map features have you covered.
