Google will soon start rolling out new versions of Google Maps, its maps, transit and navigation service, to users of its mobile apps on both Android and iOS. The new versions will include a new feature: dedicated tabs that provide easy access to ride-sharing services like Uber.
Whereas the current versions of the Maps application on either mobile platform have been an option to hail a cab using ride-sharing service Uber, the addition of other such services has necessitated the need to create a tab where users can quickly access all the options available to them. The new ride-sharing services added alongside Uber include India’s Ola Cabs, Brazil’s 99Taxis, the United Kingdom’s Gett and Hailo (available in the UK and Spain) and mytaxi which operates in Germany and Spain.
In the case of services like Uber, depending on the city the user is located in, the user will be presented with the various Uber ride options available. For instance, if one is in Nairobi, Kenya (where there’s only UberX), they won’t see options to hail an Uber Black cab, an option that will be available to users in London alongside other options like UberXL.
Google Maps has so far been highlighting various ways of moving from one point to another including distance and time estimation for pedestrians and pick up points for public transit services like trains in major cities and informal public service vehicles in cities located in the developing world. It is only under a week since Google officially unveiled a similar service in Kenya after over half a year of rigorous testing since the system went live.
While Android users will be getting the updated application soon through the Google Play Store, users of Apple devices will have to wait a little longer before the new changes make it to the iOS application.
