Google has finally copied the duties of its other GPS app, Waze, adding support for Bluetooth beacons so you can navigate in tunnels or other satellite dead zones. 9to5Google has reported. The feature has been widely implemented in Google Maps for Android, although it is still missing in the iOS version.
As a reminder, Bluetooth beacons are designed to give you underground traffic and navigation information where GPS signals can't reach. Also known as Waze Beacons, they are "Battery-powered, low-power microcontroller hardware that sends a one-way signal to a user's phone or tablet." without capturing any user data, According to Google. They are installed underground in several cities, including New York, Paris, Sydney, Rio and other places. waze first released the function in 2016.
The feature is not enabled by default, so here's how to turn it on. In Maps, go to Settings > Navigation Settings, and then find the "Driving options" near the end of the list. Below them, you will see Bluetooth tunnel beacons (provided you have the latest version) and you can activate them.
The feature first began appearing for some beta users and others in October 2023, but is now in the main version. It should make navigation considerably easier, especially in complicated tunnels with multiple lanes and exits. It's the latest in a series of new features including electric vehicle charging information, artificial intelligence capabilities, immersive view and more.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-maps-finally-adds-wazes-in-tunnel-navigation-feature-130051819.html?src=rss