Google Maps has received several updates over the last two months. It appears that the app is now getting a new real-time location sharing interface on both Android and iOS devices. The interface update is also available to Google Maps users in India. It appears that the new location sharing UI was rolled out via a server-side update. It is important to note that the new update does not include new features, but overall changes the look and feel of the location-sharing interface.
In the new interface, Google has made visual changes to the sharing window as well as added the privacy policy section on both Android and iOS versions of Google Maps. Similarly, the prompt that allows users to select the duration of location sharing on Google Maps has changed.
Google Maps has added two new features to help health responders find hotel rooms and people with disabilities find wheelchair accessible places.
Healthcare practitioners treating COVID-19 patients are worried about being in the same space with their family as they might mistakenly infect family members.
Now, using Google search and Maps, health workers can find hotels with special policies for COVID-19 responders. They can search for “hotels for essential workers in New York” and narrow down results using a new ‘COVID-19 responder rooms’ filter.
On the Maps, they will find a tip at the top of the results if hotels in the area have a special policy for frontline workers. To keep track of hotel properties offering special accommodations, Google is working with hotel chains, including Choice Hotels International, Hilton, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The new search feature is focused on the US and UK. The team may do a global launch after sometime.
