Tag Archives: maps

Smartphones

This Secret Google Maps Feature Makes Tracking Your Favorite Spots Easy

Google Maps has recently introduced a new feature that allows users to use emoticons as placeholders for their favorite spots. Here’s how you can use this feature on your mobile device:

  1. Open the Google Maps app and sign in if you haven’t already.
  2. If you have the Saved option on the bottom navigation bar of the main Google Maps screen, tap on it. Otherwise, tap on your profile photo on the top-right corner of the screen and select “Your places.”
  3. In the Lists or “Your lists” section, tap on “New list” or the “+” icon to create a new list of places.
  4. Give your list a name, description, and select the type of list you prefer.
  5. Tap on “Choose icon” at the top of the screen.
  6. Select your preferred emoji.
  7. Tap on Save to save the new list.

After saving the list, a notification shade will appear. You can add suggested places to your list by tapping on “Add” next to the address, or you can manually search for and add places by tapping on “Add” below the list name. The places you add will be marked with the emoji you selected for the list.

If you already have saved lists and want to update them with emoticons:

  1. Follow the previous instructions to access your saved places.
  2. In the Lists tab, tap on the three-dot icon next to the list you want to modify, and select “Edit list.”
  3. Tap on “Choose icon” at the top of the screen.
  4. Select an emoticon to represent the list.
  5. Tap on Save to apply the changes.

Besides changing the icon, you can also modify the list type to allow others to view or edit it.

Internet

How to Prevent Random Requests for Your Location on Google Maps

If someone manages to request your location on Google Maps, it means they either guessed your Gmail address or found it on one of your social media accounts. In any case, it’s a good idea to review all the places online where you may have shared your Google email address or the phone number linked to Google Maps. Consider removing these details from public view or using a different email address and phone number if you can’t avoid sharing your contact information. Alternatively, if possible, adjust your account settings to only allow approved connections to view your accounts and personal information.

It’s important to note that only people who share their location with you should have the ability to request your location. If you receive an email notification requesting access to your whereabouts, you should also receive a notification email informing you that the person has shared their location with you. They will need to show you their email address and profile photo. Although these two things can be falsified, you can at least verify with friends and family that the accounts indeed belong to them and are not fake.

Smartphones

How to Download Offline Maps for Android Auto

Offline maps are convenient and worth downloading, but they come with limitations compared to online maps. With offline maps, you can view the map, zoom in and out, set routes, receive navigation instructions, and see your position on the map using GPS. This covers the essentials of getting from point A to point B.

In addition, you can access limited location information from Google Business profiles, such as regular opening times, addresses, and telephone numbers. However, you won’t have access to updated information like how busy a place is, special opening times, reviews, and photos. When viewing a profile, a message stating “Offline – Limited info” will remind you of this.

There are several things you won’t be able to do with offline maps. These include receiving real-time traffic updates, road accident information, alternate routes, and lane guidance. When you set up a route, you will see the message “Offline – No traffic data” to remind you of this limitation. Additionally, offline maps only provide car routes; other options like public transport, walking, cycling, and flying require an internet connection. Lastly, in offline mode, you can only control the map through the touch screen as voice commands are not available.