
Update to Google Maps in selected markets adds interesting AI feature
Google Maps has pushed out an update that is meant for users of the app in Europe. When you type in your destination, Google Maps typically searches for multiple routes for the navigation option you've selected (car, walking, public transportation, etc.). However, with the addition of AI, Google Maps will check the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of other modes to your destination. If you can reach your destination faster using public transportation or by walking, you'll see those directions on the display instead of directions for driving.
If a different mode of transportation is faster than driving, Google Maps will show you directions using that mode. | Image credit-PhoneArena
For example, let's say that you have Google Maps set up for driving directions and the app determines that you'll reach your destination faster by taking public transportation. Google Maps will then show you those suggested routes. Not only will you arrive earlier, by taking the bus you are reducing pollution, conserving gas, and doing your part to protect and preserve natural resources. This new feature is available in 60 European cities including Stockholm, Warsaw. and Copenhagen.
In Europe, cycling is huge and Google Maps is adding cycling navigation to 17 new cities with nine of them located in Europe. The app now shows 125,000 kilometers (equal to 77,671 miles) of bike lanes in cities such as Hamburg, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Budapest, Vienna, and Brussels. Google is using data obtained from local governments and public authorities.
Since Google Maps is looking to get travelers to be more judicious in their consumption of natural resources, it now offers fuel-efficient routes worldwide. Previously, this feature was available only in certain regions. When you type a destination on the app, the fuel-efficient route is listed as an alternative. Each route also shows its ETA so that you'll know how much later you'll arrive at your destination by taking the more fuel-efficient option.
Fuel-efficient directions show you how much gas you'll save when using this route. | Image credit-PhoneArena
Google Maps is also adding support for low-emission zones which will impact drivers in Italy, Sweden, Austria, and other locations. Google Maps will send alerts that will "check if your vehicle is allowed in these zones." You can ask the app to create an alternate route that bypasses the low-emission zones. Google Maps will support over 1,000 low-emission zones.
Google Maps now supports low-emission zones and will let you know if your car can drive into this zone. | Image credit-PhoneArena
Project Green Light uses AI and Google Maps driving trends to help recommend to cities how they can improve their existing traffic light cycles. Project Green Light is available in 20 cities across four continents.
Secure your connection now at a bargain price!
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Phone Arena
2 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Massive data breach exposes 16 billion login credentials including those related to Apple and Google
Stealing personal data has become such a lucrative crime. Swiping passwords and other credentials allow criminals to break into victims' apps allowing these cybercrooks to wipe out financial accounts via banking and trading apps. This information can also lead to more sophisticated crimes using SIM swaps and identity thefts. The latest news from Cybernews is downright frightening as a record 16 billion login credentials have been exposed. The report says that the Cybernews team has discovered 30 exposed datasets with each one containing anywhere from tens of millions to 3.5 billion records in each dataset. Yes, it all adds up to the aforementioned 16 billion login credentials that were outed. Interestingly, only one of the datasets had been reported earlier in the media. As we told you at the time, that breach consisted of 184 million login credentials which were publicly accessible with no password or encryption protecting it. That breach included logins for Apple, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft users. Information stolen in the breach included credentials from online services connected to Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, and Telegram. Data from users of various government services was also made public. Researchers say that this data can be used to drive phishing campaigns, power attacks created to take over online accounts, generate ransomware attacks, and more. One dataset with 455 million records was named to indicate that it originated with the Russian Federation. One with 60 million records was named after the cloud-based Telegram messaging service. At this point, it is unknown who owns the leaked data although it would appear that at least some of the massive collection of data came from cyber criminals. Top 020 leaked datasets from the theft of 16 billion login credentials. | Image credit-Cybernews Researchers say that most of the data exposed in the breach "is a mix of details from stealer malware, credential stuffing sets, and repackaged leaks." Since there were overlapping records, it is impossible to determine exactly how many individuals were impacted by the data breach. Having said that, the stolen data follows a particular order with the URL first followed by login credentials and then passwords. According to Cybernews, modern infostealers, defined as malicious software stealing sensitive information, collect data in this order verifying that the data collected was stolen. Here's the scary part. Even if the attackers who owned the data were able to get login credentials from only 1% of the victims, that would leave over 1 million individuals some of whom could be vulnerable to getting fooled into giving up even more information. What you should do is change your passwords to strong ones often. Don't tap on links found in emails or texts; be suspicious. Assume every text or email is a scam and do not give away personal information. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.


Phone Arena
5 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Google's Pixel phones may soon borrow a trick from Samsung's Now Bar
Referential image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the Now Bar. | Image credit — Phonearena Google might be working on its own version of Samsung's Now Bar, according to new details spotted in the latest Android 16 beta. The feature, called "Gemini Space," could be a major step forward for Google's At a Glance widget, offering more real-time information on the lock screen. As reported based on findings through a deep dive of the underlying code, traces of this new experience first appeared in last month's Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release. A new system configuration file named "Ambient Data" was added, which appears to be the internal codename for Gemini Space. That file was found in firmware for both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro, suggesting the feature won't be limited to the upcoming Pixel 10. Other clues point to an "Ambience Hub," though it's not clear how it will work. The name suggests a new interface for showing useful data on the lock screen or always-on display. This would align with other Google features that use 'ambient' in their name, such as ambient display or ambient AOD. More interestingly, the Android System Intelligence app — which powers the current At a Glance widget — now includes hints about sports scores and finance updates. A toggle for finance recaps was even found in the At a Glance settings, further supporting the idea that these updates could appear as part of Gemini Space. OneUI's Now Bar and Now Brief was a welcome addition when it launched with the Galaxy S25 series. | Image credit — PhoneArena All signs point to Google preparing a rebranded and upgraded version of At a Glance. If true, Gemini Space would serve a similar purpose to Samsung's Now Bar and Now Brief — the former being a live info chip on the lock screen, and the latter offering a full-page summary of your day. While some may say that At a Glance already covers this, Pixel phones don't have anything quite like the Now Brief: a dedicated, rich feed of contextual updates accessible right from the lock screen. That could change if Gemini Space and the rumored Ambience Hub roll out as expected. Whether this will be a Pixel 10 exclusive or come to older models remains to be seen, but the feature looks like a natural evolution of At a Glance — and perhaps a strategic way to keep Gemini AI front and center. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.


Phone Arena
6 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Update to Google Maps in selected markets adds interesting AI feature
Google Maps has pushed out an update that is meant for users of the app in Europe. When you type in your destination, Google Maps typically searches for multiple routes for the navigation option you've selected (car, walking, public transportation, etc.). However, with the addition of AI, Google Maps will check the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of other modes to your destination. If you can reach your destination faster using public transportation or by walking, you'll see those directions on the display instead of directions for driving. If a different mode of transportation is faster than driving, Google Maps will show you directions using that mode. | Image credit-PhoneArena For example, let's say that you have Google Maps set up for driving directions and the app determines that you'll reach your destination faster by taking public transportation. Google Maps will then show you those suggested routes. Not only will you arrive earlier, by taking the bus you are reducing pollution, conserving gas, and doing your part to protect and preserve natural resources. This new feature is available in 60 European cities including Stockholm, Warsaw. and Copenhagen. In Europe, cycling is huge and Google Maps is adding cycling navigation to 17 new cities with nine of them located in Europe. The app now shows 125,000 kilometers (equal to 77,671 miles) of bike lanes in cities such as Hamburg, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Budapest, Vienna, and Brussels. Google is using data obtained from local governments and public authorities. Since Google Maps is looking to get travelers to be more judicious in their consumption of natural resources, it now offers fuel-efficient routes worldwide. Previously, this feature was available only in certain regions. When you type a destination on the app, the fuel-efficient route is listed as an alternative. Each route also shows its ETA so that you'll know how much later you'll arrive at your destination by taking the more fuel-efficient option. Fuel-efficient directions show you how much gas you'll save when using this route. | Image credit-PhoneArena Google Maps is also adding support for low-emission zones which will impact drivers in Italy, Sweden, Austria, and other locations. Google Maps will send alerts that will "check if your vehicle is allowed in these zones." You can ask the app to create an alternate route that bypasses the low-emission zones. Google Maps will support over 1,000 low-emission zones. Google Maps now supports low-emission zones and will let you know if your car can drive into this zone. | Image credit-PhoneArena Project Green Light uses AI and Google Maps driving trends to help recommend to cities how they can improve their existing traffic light cycles. Project Green Light is available in 20 cities across four continents. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.