Google Maps is one of the services that has gone intensive updating and refreshes over its life. The latest feature to be added to the service is the ability to create lists, a feature that is rolling out to iOS and Android. It might look like a simple addition but Google hopes that it will help people use Maps in a more social way, rather than as a tool to get from point A to B.
“Is your bucket list etched in your memory, or scribbled on a dozen post-it notes scattered around your home? Have you ever promised out-of-town guests an email full of your favorite spots, only to never get around to clicking send?”
– Zach Maier, Product Manager Google Maps.
According to Google, there are three types of preset lists one can create, as well as their own custom lists. One merely has to open Google Maps, tap on any of the interesting locations and hit save. You can then either add it to “Favourites”, “Want to go”, “Starred Places” or create a new list. Then if you’re ever asked about what great sushi places there are nearby, you can pull up your Sushi list by going to “Your Places” in Google Maps.
The social aspect comes with the ability to share your lists with friends, family and even complete strangers. One can do that via text, email, messenger apps and more. It’s a handy way of quickly sharing a list of your own curated restaurants and places to visit when friends and family are in town. Those same lists can be made public, letting strangers who pull up into town access them and even follow the lists as you make changes to it. As a result, Lists like “Places to visit during a two-day holiday in X city” can give a more personalised feel to tourists and newcomers.
The feature has been in development since last Autumn to Google’s Local Guide users. You can read Google’s full post about it here.
