You open a maps application, you expect to see a map of where you are. It's common sense, yet we have to start this news article with this pretty basic knowledge bit. The reason? Whoever is behind the latest Google Maps server-side test seems to have missed that "Map app making 101" lesson and went free-styling with their own ideas.
Read MoreGoogle makes it easier for veterans to find jobs, as well as businesses led by other service members
As with many other large businesses in the US, you'll find plenty of former military personnel working at Google. Some of them have put their heads together to come up with some ways to make things easier for veterans as they move on to the next phase of their life.
Read MoreGoogle Maps now has a '3D Globe Mode' on desktop
Globes can be had for around $20-30 on Amazon, and they can make for some nice decoration. But if you don't want to cough up that amount of money or you just don't have any space in your home for one, Google Maps now has a '3D Globe Mode' on desktop that you can use to check out our planet with.
Read MoreSatellite view added to Google Maps on Android Auto head units
Google Maps has had a satellite view available for many years on multiple platforms, but for some reason, it never made its way to the Android Auto app - that is, until now. A reader sent in a tip showcasing satellite view while navigating with his Android Auto-equipped head unit, and it looks exactly as you'd expect.
Read MoreGoogle upgrades Maps traffic layer for 6 countries, but downgrades speed limits in 7 others
You might not have known this, but people in other countries don't often get the same features in Google Maps as you may. There are only a handful of countries that support all of Maps's coverage details, including the US, UK, Canada, and several European nations. Google recently added/improved the traffic layer to six countries, but downgraded speed limit availability in seven others.
Read MoreGoogle Maps now showing Waze-like incident confirmation prompts for some
One of the main differentiators that Waze has over its competitors, including Google Maps, is user interaction. Wazers can report accidents, road closures, police car sightings, and so on, all of which helps other users out. It's what makes the app so popular. Google Maps has already pulled data from Waze for many years, though it looks like more features from it are coming.
Read MoreMeasurement tools coming to Google Earth on Chrome and Android
According to Google, measurement tools have long been the number one feature request for Google Earth. Now, it's finally happening. The company is rolling out its measure tool to the Chrome version of Earth today, and it'll come to Android (and iOS) soon.
Read MoreYou can no longer book Uber rides inside Google Maps
Google has removed the ability to book an Uber ride from inside Google Maps. You can still look up the route in Maps and then “request the ride from the Uber app,” Google suggests, but it has removed direct Uber booking without providing a reason.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Google Maps v9.79 gives scores to restaurants based on your personal tastes, prepares Waze-like incident reporting and much more [APK Teardown]
Updates to Google Maps have been a bit quieter over the last few months as fewer features come to each update than we're accustomed to. A recent announcement revealed this time has been spent on some cool new predictive features that will help users find restaurants, events, and other places that match their taste and style. The first stage of those new features, scoring for places that match your tastes, is going live now. There are also signs of many of the other previously announced features, Waze-style incident reporting, and more.
Read MoreBrazil is getting Android Go devices, Google Maps improvements, and education programs
Yesterday, at its second annual Google for Brazil event, the company revealed both future plans and updates for its products and services in the country. If you remember, last year Google made a similar set of announcements for Indonesia, and now it's Brazil's turn. The details released cover the range from amusing to useful, with a bit of philanthropic education mixed in, too.
Read MoreLatest Deals
-
13
[Deal Alert] Anker's new Amazon promos include Roav FM transmitter and car charger for $13 ($7 off) with coupon code
-
0
41 temporarily free and 47 on-sale apps and games to begin the week
-
15
[Deal Alert] Logitech Harmony Smart Control down to $53 on Amazon
-
1
[Deal Alert] Owlet Smart Sock 2 baby monitor down to $240 ($60 off) on Amazon
-
11
[Deal Alert] Prime Exclusive LG Stylo 4 down to $210 ($40 off)
-
13
Latest Poll
Loading ...Recent Reviews
-
34
JBL Link View review: Great sound from JBL, but Smart Displays still have a long way to go
-
45
Samsung Galaxy Watch review: A competent smartwatch you probably shouldn't buy right now
-
28
Channel Master Stream+ Android TV DVR review: So much wasted potential
-
68
BEAM review: Strap a funny GIF on your jacket for $85
-
12
Tribit X-Boom review: An incredible-sounding Bluetooth speaker for the money
-
34
Latest Roundups
-
5
16 best new Android games released this week including Chaos Reborn: Adventures, Vampire's Fall: Origins, and Paper.io 2
-
12
22 new and notable (and 1 WTF) Android apps from the last two weeks including Tor Browser, Yahoo!, and FameBit (9/1/18 - 9/15/18)
-
1
[Bonus Round] Vampire's Fall: Origins, Rocket of Whispers: Prologue, Space Loops, Cthulhu Chronicles, Knights and Glory, and Man or Vampire
-
24
18 new and notable Android Wear apps and watch faces from the last seven months (2/25/18 - 9/12/18)
-
76
The best Linux apps for Chrome OS
-
5
Recent Apps and Games
-
5
AntVentor is a gorgeous point and click adventure game for the Shield TV
-
10
Samsung's Fortnite contest offers gaming goodies and the chance to play with streamer 'Ninja'
-
14
Google's Family Link adds teen supervision, expands to more countries
-
14
[Update: Pre-registration now available] The Gang Sells Out: 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is getting a mobile game
-
13
[Update: Now it's gone] Life is Strange: Before the Storm is out on Android
-
5
Blast from the Past
-
574
1 Year Ago Today
Opinion: The new Pixels will have the same problem as the current ones - they're just Android phones
-
249
2 Years Ago Today
Google Allo may launch this week, according to Evan Blass [Update: Maybe 9/21]
-
146
3 Years Ago Today
Google Sends Out Invites For Event On September 29th In San Francisco, Of Course It's Nexuses (And Probably More)
-
99
4 Years Ago Today
Google Appears To Be Testing The Option To Add A Home Button To Android's Version Of Chrome
-
35
5 Years Ago Today
Leaked Screenshot Indicates That Republic Wireless Will Sell The Moto X For $299 Off Contract
-
16
6 Years Ago Today
[Rumor] Surprise! The Bootloader Is Reportedly Locked On Verizon's Galaxy Note II
-
6
7 Years Ago Today
PSA: Cyanogen Nightlies Are Finally Back After Weeks Of Downtime
-
2
8 Years Ago Today
T-Mobile UK's HTC Desire Froyo Update Now Officially Rolling Out
-
574
