Google has lastly copied the homework of its different GPS app Waze, including assist for Bluetooth beacons so you’ll be able to navigate in tunnels or different satellite tv for pc useless zones, 9to5Google has reported. The characteristic has rolled out broadly on Google Maps for Android, although remains to be lacking within the iOS model.
As a reminder, Bluetooth beacons are designed to present you navigation and visitors data underground the place GPS alerts cannot get by means of. Also called Waze Beacons, they’re “battery-operated, low-energy micro-controller hardware that sends a one-way signal to a user’s phone or tablet” with out capturing any knowledge from the person, in accordance with Google. They’re put in underground in quite a few cities embrace New York Metropolis, Paris, Sydney, Rio and elsewhere. Waze first launched the characteristic in 2016.
The perform is not enabled by default, so this is how one can flip it on. In Maps, go to Settings > Navigation Settings after which discover the “Driving Options” close to the underside of the listing. Beneath these, you will see Bluetooth tunnel beacons (supplied you’ve gotten the most recent model), and you’ll toggle that on.
The characteristic first began exhibiting up for some beta and different customers in October 2023, however is now within the major launch. It ought to easy navigation significantly, notably in tough tunnels with a number of lanes and exits. It is the most recent in a flurry of recent options that embrace EV charging info, AI capabilities, Immersive View and extra.