Huge upgrade by Google Maps

 Google Maps' navigation experience quietly gets a huge upgrade

Google Maps is experimenting with displaying 3D buildings during navigation on both the mobile app and Android Auto. Some users have reported seeing 3D buildings during navigation on Maps for Android and iOS, requiring them to enable the 3D view before starting navigation. A smaller group of users has observed the 3D view feature on Maps through Android Auto, where buildings become transparent when obstructing the route. Google Maps can now show 3D buildings while you are navigating on the mobile app and Android Auto in what seems like a new experiment by Google. Google Maps appears to be testing displaying 3D buildings while you are getting directions on your phone. 

If you want to check, just flick on the 3D option from the layers menu on Maps' home screen, then zoom in until the buildings go three-dimensional. When a 3D building is blocking your route on Android phones, it goes semi-transparent, letting you see through the obstruction. This change appears on Android phones running Android 14, although it is also live on devices still stuck on Android 13. Google Maps has had the 3D buildings feature for over a decade now, and you can turn it ON or OFF with a toggle. This immersive view comes in super handy when you are trying to navigate a new city and find your way around. But it is an entirely different Maps feature. 

The competition between Apple and Google in the mapping space is getting fiercer, especially as the iPhone maker is now more committed to making Apple Maps a fully featured Google Maps alternative. The upcoming update will include support for offline maps, a feature available for several years in Google Maps. Offline maps have long been a top feature request in the Apple Maps user community, so Apple adding such functionality brings its platform in line with users' expectations. Apple Maps offline maps will allow driving, walking, and transit directions, and users must download the necessary data before starting navigation. The process works similarly to Google Maps, as users must define an area to download offline maps, getting automatic map updates when Apple Maps runs on the device.

Earlier, Google introduced Immersive View to spice up the navigation app with a blend of Street View, satellite photos and some AI stuff. The result is realistic 3D models of streets and even building interiors. Although, not all iOS and Android phones have scored this feature yet, suggesting that Google might be A/B testing these 3D buildings. Meanwhile, Maps on Android Auto has also flaunted this 3D view of buildings recently. But the new 3D buildings on Android Auto aren't showing up for everyone just yet, so we're not sure if this feature is gradually rolling out to the public or just part of a limited test by the company.