How to use the new Stay Safer feature on Google Maps
To find the feature, users need to select the ‘Stay Safer’ and ‘Get off-route alerts’ options once the navigation screen is activated. Once both these options are selected, if the driver of the vehicle deviates 0.5 km from the route suggested by Google Maps, users will feel their phones buzz and get a prominent notification, tapping which will reveal where the user currently is, as compared to where they should be.
A live trip status can also be shared with friends or family members directly through the screen.
Announcing the feature, Product Manager at Google Maps, Amanda Bishop said, “Through our extensive research across India, we found that a lot of people limit their mobility due to safety-related concerns. To address this, we are launching another India-first feature that will deliver a more relevant and reliable experience to our users. Our new ‘Stay Safer’ feature on Google Maps will alert users who are travelling in taxis, auto-rickshaws, etc. in case their vehicle goes off route, giving them peace of mind.”
Google also recently launched three new India-focussed public transport features including live train status, bus travel times derived from live traffic and mixed-mode commute suggestions that now combine auto-rickshaw and public transport.
As we follow the planned launch of India’s second mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 on 15 July, you can find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.
