Google reportedly testing an ‘enhanced’ Explore Nearby feature with Google Maps

BY Evan Selleck

Published 21 Jul 2014

Enhanced Explore Nearby Google Maps

Google Maps continues to get improved, with a big update landing on the app last week. However, it looks like Google is also busy testing out a new, enhanced feature to an already existing element of Google’s map app.

In Google Maps, you can choose an option called Explore Nearby to plug in a search element, like a bar, type of food, or drinks, and Google Maps will bring up a listing of establishments near you. It’s a pretty powerful tool as it is, if not a bit generic, but a new report suggests Google is looking to spruce it up a bit.

As originally found by Android Police, Google’s looking to enhance Explore Nearby, starting off wit ha dedicated button on the bottom-right of the display when you’re on the map. Once activated, you can still search for certain elements, but the search results are far more focused, and now includes point of interest. Moreover, users will be able to input the time of day that they are most likely to visit, so Google can formulate a better suggestion. (Basically, if you want to visit a museum during the day, and a bar at night, Google’s enhanced Explore Nearby feature will help you figure out the best options.)

It’s not an official feature quite yet, as it’s reportedly being tested out there in the public right now, but not quite listed in any change logs for the app. If it’s already out for public testing, though, it could land in the official app soon.

Do you already use Maps to find something to do?

[Via Android Police; Google+]