Google Maps has introduced an all-new ‘two-wheeler mode’. The software giant, on Tuesday, announced the new feature in its Google for India program. Google Maps’ two-wheeler mode will be visible along the already available car, train, and walking modes. Android Police had initially reported regarding the new feature. Earlier it was visible for an Indian user in version 9.67.1 of Google Maps. Interestingly, India is one of the first countries to get the ‘two-wheeler mode’ in Google Maps. The new feature essentially tells people the fastest, most efficient route to a destination while on a two-wheeler or motorcycle. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) shown in ‘two-wheeler mode’ might just be slightly less than that for car. The feature will reportedly show parking status at the destination as well, along with road closures on the way.
In India, Google Maps ‘two-wheeler’ feature is going to be a great option. A huge part of the population in the country use motorcycles for their daily commute. Additionally, not all streets in India are wide enough to fit in bigger vehicles like car. Google Maps director Martha Welsh made an official announcement at Google for India event. It is unclear if ‘motorcycle mode’ feature for Maps will be available for users in other markets as well. Google has been aggressively rolling out India-centric features for Maps. A new home screen for the app on Android, which loads faster, was unveiled May. It adds shortcuts on the home screen of the app that will instantly let users see directions cards, satellite imagery of a place as well as real-time information about traffic.
It’s evident Google has a big focus on India. Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s recently commented about India playing an important role in improving Google Maps and other Google products. Apart from announcing Google’s achievements in India over the past year, the company also launched the Android Oreo (Go Edition) in the country. Google has made the Go Edition of Android Oreo available in India, with which it aims to target entry-level smartphones.
