Voice Shortcuts in Google Maps Directions

Google Maps, which has become a leading geospatial search engine, includes many customizable features. Developers are constantly improving and adding to these features, making it a great choice for hands-free navigation.

A significant number of accidents are caused by the use of scrolling or typing on a smartphone when people are walking or driving. It can happen even in your kitchen. Google Maps has features that make it easier standalone voice commands to avoid this problem, and you can easily take advantage of these voice shortcuts. Just follow the steps below.

Activation of location services for Google Maps

Google Maps is an application integrated into almost all versions of Android and can be installed on iOS devices. For navigation purposes, Google Maps requires that you activate the GPS location services on your device.

Android

1. On Android devices, select Settings > Biometrics and security.
2. You will find the Location option. This allows applications to use your GPS, which determines your geospatial position.
3. Go back to your Settings.
4. Find Authorizations. Make sure the Google Maps app is activated.

iOS

1. IOS users can access Settings> Privacy> Location services on iPhone or iPad devices.
2. Switch location services to the on position.
3. Scroll to Google Maps.
4. Select “while using this application” or “always” to activate GPS location services.

Activation of Google Assistant for Google Maps

Now that you’ve turned on location for Google Maps, it’s time to integrate Google Assistant. Google Assistant is your hands-free companion, using voice biometrics to activate commands. You don’t even need Google Assistant to use rich voice command integration.

Android

1. In Google Maps, search Navigation settings in the settings menu.
2. Locate OK Google detection and activate it.
3. To select Access with Voice Match. Once selected, you will be asked to record your voice on a separate page.

iOS

1. Select the menu bar in the upper right corner of the Google Maps application.
2. Press the Navigation on the next screen.
3. Your iPhone or iPad will ask permission to the application to access the device’s microphone.

Recording your voice for Google Assistant in Maps

Google Maps and Google Assistant are now integrated. Your job is to teach applications to recognize your voice. The assistant can then communicate with your Maps application even when your device is locked.

1. Now on the voice recording page. In a calm environment, press Light up.
2. In a clear voice, say twice “OK Google”. Immediately after the first pair of sentences, say “Hey Google” out loud and select finish.

You can now use voice shortcuts for directions on Google Maps, ensuring safety while driving, walking or geospatial searches.

Test your application with commands like “which direction should I turn next?” Or “when should I leave this path?”

Navigating to your destination using voice shortcuts

After setting up the Google voice-activated assistant on your Android device to display directions on the map, simply activate the feature using prompt commands. After saying “OK Google”, perform the desired voice shortcut. You can say, “OK Google, go to [specific address]. “

IOS users follow a similar process but must activate the Maps application before expressing commands. Otherwise, it could interfere with Apple’s built-in assistant, Siri.

The shortcuts you can use for navigation and direction include:

• How long before arriving at destination?
• What is my current position?
• Show or hide traffic in advance.
• What is my next step or step?
• Show or hide satellite view
• View a list of directions
• Allow or avoid toll booths
• Activate or deactivate voice shortcuts
• Avoid or allow highways
• Exit navigation

Additional commands that you can give to your device via Google Maps:

• Call home
• Find a restaurant or gas station
• Send an SMS to (contact specified)
• Local or other weather report
• Play music (song, artist or specific genre) on a specified app like Google Play Music
• What is the next step in my schedule?
• What is the nearest ATM?

Destinations with multiple locations

Google Maps offers three options for destinations that have multiple locations, such as department stores or chain stores. The locations closest to you are presented in alphabetical form and you can express the letter or rephrase the company name with additional information.

Add pit stops using voice shortcuts on Google Maps

Pit stops along your route can also be added. This shortcut will not be completely hands-free, however, so it’s best to do it when your car is parked.

1. Start by calling your Google Assistant to perform voice shortcuts in Google Maps.
2. Then say “add a pit stop to the current route” or “cafes along the route”.
3. Google Maps will display the appropriate pit stops according to your specifications. Press to select the location and add the pit stop.

Other Google Maps features to guide your steps

Even if you are not sure of the direction of your destination, for example, after leaving the metro, Google Maps has a solution. By tilting your device, Google uses gyroscopes in your phone to determine the right direction based on your specified navigation.

A blue location point appears on your map, which indicates the direction to take. Google Maps also offers indoor maps. Voice shortcuts can be set to find locations in large shopping malls.

The application will allow you to view an interior map of the building (if it has been mapped). A tilting window guides you through the different floor plans.

Another clever functionality of Google Maps allows you to share your location in real time with other people for a specified amount of time. You can choose who to share with and for how long from the Hamburger icon on the Google Maps app for iOS and Android.

Go completely hands-free with Google Maps

Whenever you navigate, there are a handful of useful commands to use as voice shortcuts in Google Maps routes.

Evaluate these shortcuts after activating your voice assistant on Android phones or calling Google Maps via Siri on iOS devices. With Google Maps, you can have your device play music, send text messages, make calls, or view your schedule, completely hands-free.

Whether you’re walled up, driven, on public transit, carpool, or bike, visual instructions and voice prompts provide more detailed instructions for the visually impaired. Proactive alerts ensure you are on the right road, the current street and the right direction.