During the Google I/O conference held last year, the tech giant introduced a new Augmented Reality (AR) navigation feature for Google Maps. The feature was one of the biggest announcements that attracted a lot of attention at the main event. There are indications that AR navigation feature will soon be available on Google Maps.
Recently, Google awarded The Wall Street Journal early access to AR mode feature, where the newspaper had the opportunity to test the capabilities of the new function. Some details have been advanced.
According to WSJ, the Maps application has a dedicated virtual button that activates the AR mode. This opens the camera and begins analyzing your surroundings with the Street View data. The app then overlays arrows onto the real world to show where you need to go. (Discover: How to put a departure or arrival time in Google Maps: the great novelty demanded for a long time)
The feature also works if you hold the phone in an upright position for the camera to capture the real world. The feature overlays arrows, landmarks, maps, and possibly even an animated creature to show the way in a camera view showing the actual environment around users. WSJ also noted that Google Maps repeatedly displays a message It says, "For your safety, keep your phone turned off while walking."
For some time now, the advanced navigation feature has been in testing since it was first announced. Ponto will be released to some local guides who are essentially advanced users of Google Maps. This does not mean that the feature will be available to the public soon, as the company indicates that the commercial launch will only take place when you are completely satisfied that it is ready. Therefore, do not wait less than several months to have it on your smartphone.
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