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.