Unlocking Google Maps' Hidden Gems for Smoother Commutes
Google Maps is more than just a navigation app, and many users may be missing out on its features. The author of this article has been using Google Maps for years but only recently started to explore its hidden gems.
One of the key features that changed their experience was checking traffic patterns before leaving. By turning on the Traffic layer, users can see real-time congestion on roads and adjust their commute accordingly.
The author also discovered navigation gestures that make interacting with the map more fluid. Double-tapping to zoom, one-finger zoom, and tilting the map are just a few of the tricks that can be used to improve navigation.
Incognito mode is another feature that was overlooked by the author until recently. This allows users to search and navigate without saving their activity to their account history, making it ideal for one-off searches or trips they don't want to influence future recommendations.