From finding cheap gas to navigating mega malls and airports, these Google Maps and Apple Maps hacks will change the way you travel
Are you the type of person who turns on GPS navigation no matter where you want to go, or do you just stick with it?
You may know where you’re going, but Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze have some clever tools that go beyond plain old directions.
These hidden hacks can help you find the best gas prices along your route, avoid leaving digital trails, turn the robot-like navigation voice into something funny, and help you navigate mega-malls and airports.
Are you the type of person who turns on GPS navigation no matter where you want to go, or do you just stick with it? You may know where you’re going, but Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze have some clever tools that go beyond plain old directions
Stealth Mode: On!
Want to sneak into a place without leaving a digital trace? Enable incognito mode in Google Maps. This way the app won’t record your stop.
Do you use Waze? They will likely appear on the public map. To prevent this, open Waze, tap Settings > Privacy, and turn on Become Invisible.
Command with your voice
Why fiddle with your phone while behind the wheel? Use your voice instead.
Start with “Hey Siri” or “OK, Google” and then:
● “Guide me [Destination].’
● “Take me home.”
● “Where am I right now?”
● “ETA, please?”
● “Find the nearest gas station.”
● “Are we there yet?” (OK, that was fun. Did you smile?)
Pump Savings Warning
Navigation tool Waze uses crowdsourcing and allows the public to share gas prices along routes
Do you hate paying too much for gas? Waze helps you find the best deals in town.
The magic move:
● Launch Waze.
● Tap Where to? and select the “Gas Stations” icon.
● Voila! Nearby options with prices.
The prizes come from the community. So in busy areas you’re probably in the right place. In other places they may not always be up to date.
AR hiking routes from Google Maps
Google Maps has an augmented reality (AR) feature called Live View that overlays arrows and directions in the real world through your phone’s camera
Have you ever wished for a more informative way to get around on foot? Google Maps has an augmented reality (AR) feature called Live View that overlays arrows and directions in the real world through your phone’s camera. It’s like having a futuristic travel guide right in front of you.
The magic move:
To use Live View, select your destination in Google Maps and tap the Directions button. From there, select the “Walk” tab as Live View is only available for navigation on foot. First, make sure you are outside in a well-lit area. A Live View button will appear next to the Home button. Tap the Live View button and follow the onboarding tips.
Apple’s little secret
Apple Maps, like that friend with a memory of steel, remembers everything. If you want to cover your tracks, here’s the magic trick:
● Open Apple Maps and swipe up slightly.
● Do you recognize your latest news? Swipe left at one point and click Delete.
● For a complete memory wipe, click “More” next to “Recent” and delete the desired time frame.
Indoor mapping with Google Maps
Google Maps is no longer an outdoor navigation system – the tech giant is launching an upgrade that provides directions within various facilities. Eco-friendly route option has also been added (right)
Have you ever gotten lost in a mega mall or airport? Google Maps helps with a feature called “Indoor Maps” for many large venues worldwide.
The magic move:
You can find indoor tickets for a large venue like an airport or a shopping center. Zoom in on the map until you see a floor plan. Choose between levels and floors at the bottom left.
Customize the look of your Apple Maps
Apple Maps lets you customize your map style. Do you want a dark-themed map or one that highlights the green spaces of parks? You have it!
The magic move:
To select a different card, do the following: Tap the button in the top right. Choose a different map type like standard, satellite, hybrid and more. You can also tap the More button to further customize the map. Finally, tap the “Close” button.
Wazes scheduled trips
Do you hate being late? Waze has planned a Drive function. Tell Waze what time to arrive and it will tell you when to leave based on real-time traffic.
The magic move:
In Waze, tap Menu > Schedule Trip. Tap “Reschedule Trip” and add a destination and desired arrival time. Waze reminds you when it’s time to hit the road.
Google Maps has the same feature. When getting directions, enter your arrival time.
The parking space saver from Google Maps
Google Maps can remember where you parked and even set a timer when you’re in a timed parking spot.
The magic move:
After parking, tap the blue dot (your location) in Google Maps. Then select “Save Parking Space”. Do you want a parking meter? Tap the search bar and then tap the parking location. To add a photo or note, tap Learn More. You can add a message to remind you when the meter needs more money.
Wazes voice recorder
Are you bored with the usual navigation voice? With Waze you can become the voice of your navigation! Record your voice for commands to make rides more personal (or more fun, if you want!).
The magic move:
Open Waze and tap Menu > Settings > Voice & Sound. Then tap Waze Voice > Record New Voice. Tap the type of direction you want to record. Tap the red circle to start recording and the black square to stop it. Tap the arrow to play your recording and click Done when finished. Tap Add to give your voice a name.
Now you have incredible map knowledge that you can use again and again.
A Brief History of GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was created in the early 1970s under the leadership of the US Department of Defense. Its primary purpose was to provide accurate, real-time navigation information for military operations. The system was designed to be based on a constellation of 24 medium Earth orbit satellites covering the entire globe.