Google Assistant is Navigating to Google Maps

BY Evan Selleck

Published 8 Jan 2019

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the best resources out there, and now it’s getting even better.

Google today announced that the company is bringing another one of its powerful tools, Assistant, to Google Maps. The rollout starts today, but it may take some time before all Google Maps users out there have the feature baked into their mapping and navigation app. The new Assistant feature will be available for Android and iOS users.

With Google Assistant in Google Maps, this means users will be able to do a lot of different things with just their voice, including sending a text message, sharing their estimated time of arrival with someone, and even play/pause music. You can even use Assistant to search for a place along your route as you’re navigating, auto-punctuate a message, or add a stop along the way.

“On Android, the Assistant works with messaging services from the following providers: SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, Hangouts, Viber, Telegram, Android Messages and more. And when you’re driving, the Assistant automatically calculates your ETA from Google Maps if you want to send your arrival time to friends. Just say “Hey Google, take me home,” to open Google Maps and get help from your Assistant on your journey.”

This feels like a long time coming, but better late than never, right?

[via Google]