Google navigation app is one of the most used. On the one hand, its popularity and the fact that it comes standard on Android devices are strong arguments, but at the same time, Google Maps cannot be denied. a good GPS navigatorbut it is not the only one, and although I do not think it is the best in terms of tastes and colors.

This said, Google Maps needs improvementboth in small details related to the interface and its appearance, and in other more serious and important functions. Currently, the display of lanes and directions has already been improved; This is a small but important change to prevent bugs. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, especially with the improvement of Apple Maps.

An interface prone to disorganization and chaos

Google Maps is leaning towards baroque style, and that’s nothing new. In fact, Waze and Apple Maps are taking over the job of the official Android browser because they are cleaner and more intuitive. That’s the mistake icons, pop-ups, and information overflowing from everything.

Yes, there may be times when it is useful to see the names of all the streets and businesses, such as when I am on foot and looking for something, but driving is difficult.

Precision in public transportation

I have a different application for each mode of transportation. Therefore, if I travel by public transport in a big city like Madrid, it is clear to me that CityMapper is the best. Google needs to thoroughly rethink its algorithms for public transportation because it is stagnant.

It’s nice to know which metro line or which buses can pass and bring me closer, but now it’s time to demand more: more precise frequencies compared to reality, stops changed due to construction, better combinations by adding a few minutes on foot.

Consumes too much data

I travel relatively frequently and that sometimes means leaving my card and data plan behind in favor of other limited services, and that’s where I start to feel embarrassed because Google Maps is a data sink.

Google Maps is great for me in these scenarios, especially functions like Street View, which I find consumes a lot. Yes, I know I can use offline maps, and I usually do, but I don’t always have that much insight and sometimes I need more, like real-time updates.

He wants to know so much about me

Google’s situation with data is neither surprising nor new, but it continues to surprise me. In fact, to use Maps, it is enough to know that the default starting point is my location. Or what is the same: Google won’t give you directions until you share your location And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you care about privacy, there are much more careful alternatives (even its biggest rival, Apple Maps, does not have this obligation).

When Google acquired Waze, this was one of my biggest fears: The other Google browser has an interface and community like no other, but Google’s data handling has always made me uneasy. Google promises that our data will be anonymizedBut it’s terrifying to see everything he’s collected. I don’t want every move I make to be monitored and monetized.

There are businesses that are given too much importance

I mentioned information overload above, and while that may be good in some scenarios, we can’t rule out that not everything shows up or is repeated with the same frequency. For example, when Google bombed Starbucks other popular but local sites go unnoticed.

This is no coincidence: Google Maps prioritizes tourist and well-known businesses, at least when you go somewhere new. discover good local businesses against commercial or sponsored recommendations.

Cover | Priest Javier

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