Google Maps

Maps are one of the most important utilities for any traveler or for any individual who regularly needs to visit different places in different parts of the world. The maps in the mobile navigation apps are even more useful as they can help you find alternate routes to places you normally visit in order to avoid traffic congestions as well. When it comes to navigation apps, Google's Maps – Navigate & Explore always comes under discussion. The app has become synonymous with travel and almost every Android user opts to have the map app on their phone. If you don't have the app and want to check its features first, this review will help in understanding how the app can help so that you can decide if its worth your time or not.

Google's navigation app have multiple features and is entirely free to use. The app has extremely accurate maps with every new development normally available on the map sooner rather than later. The developer uses satellite data to get everything accurate while the vibrant community ensures that all places are marked so that it is easier to locate destinations for the users.

The app is simple and easy to use. It has a five-tab interface with the Explore section serving as the homepage. The navigation app can identify your location correctly through your phone's GPS and you can search any destination you want through its homepage. You can explore nearby locations on your own and look for specific destinations through the tabs available below the Search tab. You can search for Takeout, Delivery, Gas, Groceries, Pharmacies and other utilities and the app would provide you the list along with their user reviews and distance from your current location. If you tap on any of the recommendations, a route would be advised along with the time it would take you to reach the set destinations. It is simple and easy and extremely effective.

You can also choose your map type and map details too. The map types are Terrain and Satellite with the Terrain being app's default view and Satellite showing actual snapshots taking from the satellite to give you an appreciation of the location. The details include Street View, 3D, transport, traffic and cycling. With transport, you can view all the bus-stops on the map while with traffic, you can see which roads are green while which ones are currently red and jammed.
The other tabs in the navigation app include 'Commute', 'Saved', 'Contribute' and 'Updates'. Commute tells you how to reach home from your current location. If you add other places and name them, you can setup the map to show you the routes and time it would take to reach from one place to another directly through this option. The 'Saved' section is great for people who want to organize their activities as they can save various places and make lists etc. 'Contribute' section is for Google members who want to edit maps to correct something or add a location or write a review or add a picture etc. This helps in making the map full of knowledge from local people so that others can benefit from your experience. The 'Updates' section is for keeping check on places that you might have contacted through the map app to see if they have responded.

The app has several other features like the navigation tool that guides you systematically with an audio voice. There is also a 'Timeline' feature that shows you where you have travelled over the week or over the year and see places that you have frequented regularly etc. It is great to relive your past memories. Lastly, you also get the advantage of offline maps that ensure that you get the general directions even if there is no update on the traffic if you are offline.

Features:

• Up-to date navigation tool that sets route keeping in mind all the traffic on all possible routes
• Easy to find certain places nearby and chart a course to a place of your choice
• Great member community that adds reviews and pictures for your benefit
• Offline maps that provide routes even if you don't have an internet connection
• Excellent Timeline feature that shows you your past traveling history with the app
• Nice Commute option that lets you setup frequent routes so you can know about the route condition with just one tap

Conclusion:

Maps – Navigate & Explore is one of the most, if not the most, feature-rich and complete navigation apps ever. With a variety of navigation features and some cool additional organizing tools, this app is necessary for every user who travels a lot!