Google Maps to get new toll pricing in select countries; Better iOS Support, Apple Watch Announced

Google Maps on Tuesday announced a series of features that will be rolling out to users in a number of countries, including India. The service will allow users to check estimated toll prices before a trip begins and can identify available toll-free routes. Google Maps for iOS has also been updated with a pinned widget on the Home screen, as well as direct navigation from the Apple Watch. The company has also announced that an upcoming update will integrate Siri and Shortcuts with Google Maps on iOS, coming later this year.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Google revealed that users in India, Indonesia, Japan and the US will be able to access toll pricing on Google map application, later this month. Users will have access to an estimated toll price before they begin their trip, and the company says the toll price feature will be based on information from local toll agencies. Google says that support for the premium pricing feature in other countries is “coming soon”.

Google says new toll pricing feature on Google Maps will be released in India
Image credit: Google

The toll pricing feature will also allow users to calculate the cost of tolls on their route, taking into account various factors – including payment methods such as toll tickets, day of week, time time of day, etc. The company says that Google Maps will provide details on more than 2,000 toll roads.

For users who want to avoid tolls altogether, Google Maps will continue to offer the option to search for routes completely free of charge. According to the company, users can simply tap the three dots at the top of the app to access route options and select Avoid tolls to access alternative routes, wherever available.

Along with the new toll pricing feature, the company also announced a new update for iOS users will bring a new pinned trips widget that shows them the trips they have pinned in their Go Tab on the latest version of the Google Maps app. According to Google, the new pinned widget will show users the arrival time, when their next transit ride will depart, and suggest directions and routes for users who enjoy driving. .

The Google Maps iOS app will also get Siri integration support in the coming months
Image credit: Google

The update will also improve Apple Watch support, including the ability to automatically navigate on the smartwatch – this feature will be available to users in a few weeks. Users will also be able to add a “Bring me home” shortcut to their screen, which will immediately initiate navigation on the Apple Watch, the company said.

Google Maps will also have access to iOS Spotlight, Siriand Shortcuts integration later this year, according to the company. Users will be able to set up Shortcuts on iOS, allowing them to use voice commands like “Hey Siri, get directions” or “Hey Siri, search in Google Maps.” According to Google, these features will be available in the coming months.