Google Maps Live View AR Navigation Rolls Out in Canada [Hands-On]

Google maps AR

Last month, Google Maps announced a new Live View augmented reality (AR) navigation feature was rolling out on iOS and Android.

This update recently went live in Canada in beta, and after a quick test, it’s a pretty cool feature for walking directions, especially if you’re in a new area.

How to enable Google Maps Live View AR navigation? First, you need to select a destination for walking directions to, then you’ll see a “Live View” tab along the bottom.

You’ll then enter Live View AR navigation and you’ll be asked to “point your camera at buildings and signs across the street,” by waving it left and right.

Looking at your iPhone’s camera, you’ll see a visual of how far you need to walk and large arrows will appear showing you exactly which direction to go:

Google maps AR canada

Along with audible notifications, Live View AR navigation can be very helpful for those seeking visual directions. Google will warn you not walk with your iPhone when it’s facing a street for safety reasons. The feature works where Street View is available.

After giving this a quick test on the weekend, Live View was suprisingly a really fun and cool feature to use. It’ll be interesting to see if Apple Maps would roll out a similar feature (probably in years once its mapping footage library builds up), since CEO Tim Cook has been touting AR. Apple Glasses with AR maps directions anyone?

“We recommend that you use Live View only during moments of confusion, such as when you start your journey, when you reach a turn, or when you’re about to reach your destination,” explains Google.



Google says this Live View feature works on iOS devices that support ARCore and ARKit on iOS 11 or later, so that means the newest iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and:

iPhone XR
iPhone XS and XS Max
iPhone X
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
iPhone SE

iPad Air 3rd Generation
iPad mini 5th Generation
12.9-in. iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation)
11-in. iPad Pro
10.5-in. iPad Pro
9.7-in. iPad Pro
iPad (6th Generation)
iPad (5th Generation)

iPod
iPod touch (7th Generation)

After ending your navigation, Google Maps asks you to rate your AR experience with a thumbs up or down and by sending feedback if you wish.

Have you given this Live View AR navigation feature a try yet in Google Maps on iOS?

Click here to download Google Maps for iOS in the App Store.

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