Nano Banana Removed From Google Earth Amid Misinformation Concerns

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:05:59 +0000

Google pitched the image-generation integration as a way to help you visualize history, but people quickly harnessed it to 'violate our policies,' the company says.

UPDATE 7/31: After people used Nano Banana 2 in Google Earth to make misleading images, Google is rolling it back "while we work on implementing stronger guardrails."

The company says it has "seen people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear …

Spider-Man Swings Into... Google Maps? Web Crawler Spotted on Street View

Michael Kan — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:43:00 +0000

In select NYC locations, the iconic character can be seen in Street View on Google Maps as part of a promotion for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Yes, it's a movie promotion, but Spider-Man has seemingly come to life in Google Maps.

On Thursday, Google dropped a hint that the famous web crawler had swung into the mapping service, tweeting: “Our Street View sense is tingling, but let's not …

Google Maps vs. Waze: This App Wins the Race Against Traffic

Jordan Minor — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:37:17 +0000

Modern map apps do much more than get you from point A to point B, with everything from traffic light locations to AI-powered route planning. I tested Google Maps and Apple Maps to find the better navigator.

Platforms and Offline Downloads

Google Maps and Waze are both owned by Google and are free to use. After all, Google is just in it to harvest your sweet data (unless you stop the company from tracking you). You are likely to …

Waze Gets AI, Personalization Options—Including One to Make It Less Chatty

Rob Pegoraro — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Google announces driving directions tailored to your earlier use of the app, an improved motorcycle mode that US riders will have to wait to use, and more.

A new round of features for Waze aims to take Google's driving app in a more personalized direction–with AI riding shotgun.

The most significant change is one that people more familiar with Google Maps might have thought …

Fi's Newest Smart Dog Collar Taps Starlink Mobile Tech to Track Pets on the Go

Michael Kan — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The new Fi Ultra collar uses T-Satellite, T-Mobile's implementation of Starlink Mobile, enabling dog location tracking even in remote cellular dead zones.

Smart pet collar maker Fi is adding SpaceX’s satellite connectivity to its newest product, offering customers a way to track their dogs even in cellular dead zones.

Launching today, the Fi Ultra is the world’s first dog tracker to adopt

Google Maps Will Now Suggest AI Captions for Your Photo Uploads

Jibin Joseph — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:03:10 +0000

The feature is one of three updates intended to encourage fresher and quicker photo reviews.

Google wants to make sure the images you're uploading to Google Maps are as helpful as possible, and it's using AI to do it, of course.

Maps will now suggest photos you should upload, provided it has access to your gallery. Once you provide that from app …

Range Anxiety? Google Maps Now Plans EV Charging Stops on Android Auto

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:21:54 +0000

Google uses AI to forecast when you'll need to charge your EV and recommend compatible charging stations.

Google Maps is expanding its EV trip-planning feature to Android Auto.

Introduced a few years ago for mobile, the option helps plan EV trips with recommendations for charging stops along the way. It uses AI to forecast how much …

Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps, But Apple Says It Won't Track Your Location

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:19:49 +0000

Apple will use 'contextual information such as search terms, a device’s approximate location, or the area of the map on screen' to serve ads.

If your go-to navigation app is Apple Maps, your next query may come with a side of ads.

Starting this summer in the US and Canada, "Ads on Maps will appear when users search in Maps, and can appear at the top of a user’s search results based …

Google Maps Just Got a Major AI Upgrade. Here's How 'Ask Maps' Will Work

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:54:39 +0000

Gemini rolls out in Google Maps, allowing you to talk to the app like you would a chatbot. Immersive Navigation, meanwhile, will show the buildings and landmarks around you in 3D.

Google Maps can easily pull up nearby locations, but what if you're not exactly sure what you need? A new Gemini-powered “Ask Maps” button in the app will let you ask natural-language questions about your surroundings. Plus, a dramatic 3D navigation upgrade will help you get there.

When available, the Ask …

The Best Navigation Apps for 2026

Jordan Minor — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:14:10 +0000

If you're traveling to a new place, would like to shorten your daily commute, or want to find the lowest gas price, check out the best map apps we've tested.

Are Map Apps Free?

The three map apps in this showdown—Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze—are entirely free. You don't need to worry about ad banners or microtransactions.

You can access the three apps in different ways. Google's Maps (a native Android app) and Waze (Google's driver-focused navigation app) are available on …

Navigate Smarter: 25 Google Maps Secrets I Swear By When Traveling

PCMag Australia — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:25:32 +0000

Google Maps now requires you to sign in to get all the perks, but it's probably worth it. Use these tips to remember parking spots, access maps offline, share your location, and more.

Google Maps has changed how we navigate the world. Its desktop and mobile navigation apps have become more than just a way to get from point A to B via car, through public transportation, or on foot. Now in 2026, …

Google Maps Is Now Less Useful If You’re Not Signed In

James Peckham — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:57:01 +0000

Those who aren't signed into a Google account are moved to what Maps calls a 'limited view.'

Google Maps is one of the most helpful navigation tools, but you may find you’ve lost access to many of its in-depth features when you’re not signed into a Google account.

As spotted by 9to5Google, multiple Reddit …

Waze Finally Delivers 5 Features It First Promised Almost 2 Years Ago

James Peckham — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:08:39 +0000

New features include warnings for speed bumps, sharp turns, and emergency vehicles, as well as improved navigation for roundabouts.

The navigation app Waze announced several new features in March 2024 to make driving with its app easier, and users will now get to try them, almost two years later.

In an email sent to Waze users, spotted by 9to5Google, the navigation app …

Apple Maps Removes a Decade-Old Feature That Toured Major Cities

James Peckham — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:18:16 +0000

Flyover tours let you explore major landmarks across some of the world's biggest cities.

It’s rare that we see popular services like Apple Maps remove features rather than add new ones, but that's exactly what happened as part of iOS 16 and macOS 16 Ventura.

Apple Maps discontinued automated …

Where's My Car?! Google Maps Can Now Help You Remember Where You Parked

PCMag Australia — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:45:31 +0000

You've been able to manually track your car's location in the Maps app for a while, but this is the first time it will automatically note where you parked.

Ever blanked on where you parked your car? A new feature coming to Google Maps can help you track down your vehicle, even if you're in a difficult-to-navigate parking lot.

Google Maps will automatically detect where you last left your car and save its location for …

This New Google Maps Feature Helps You Remember Where You’ve Parked

James Peckham — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:47:13 +0000

The new feature matches rivals services like Apple Maps and Waze. It's currently exclusive to the iPhone app.

Ever forgotten where you parked your car? Google Maps has a new feature to help you track your vehicle down, even if you're in a difficult to navigate parking lot.

The new feature rolling out to Google Maps will automatically detect where you last left your …

Google Maps Debuts New Battery Saver Mode for Pixel 10 Phones

PCMag Australia — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:09:28 +0000

A new black-and-white mode for Google Maps will save your battery by “up to four hours."

You don’t need a dedicated sat-nav if you run Google Maps on your phone, but it often means your device's battery takes a big hit on long trips. Google's new power saving mode helps keep Maps running for longer on select phones.

First announced as part …

Google Maps Will Let You Hide Your Identity When Writing Reviews

James Peckham — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:07:50 +0000

The option seems ripe for abuse, but Google says it will monitor for 'suspicious and fake reviews.'

Four new features are coming to Google Maps, including a way to hide your identity in reviews.

Maps will soon let you use a nickname and select an alternative profile picture for online reviews, so you can rate a business without linking it to full name …

Waze Rolls Out Voice Reporting for Easy Flagging of Roadblocks, Traffic Issues

Jibin Joseph — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:32:18 +0000

With Conversational Reporting, tell Gemini what you see, and the AI will add it to the map. It's been in beta for a year; some users are finding it buggy at launch.

Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.

Waze is now rolling out Conversational Reporting, a Gemini-powered feature that allows drivers to report road incidents using their voice.

Users can now …

Waze

Jordan Minor — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:14:08 +0000

A driver’s best friend

Waze has a singular focus: Being the best companion for getting you from point A to point B in a car. It’s the navigation app you fire up on your phone and pop into your dashboard holster before hitting the …

Google Maps

Jordan Minor — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:15:16 +0000

Never get lost again

We’re a long way from the days when you had to pull a map from your car’s glove box, unfold it, and try to puzzle out your position. Now, your phone is your map and GPS device. Google has long been at the forefront of …

Skechers Launches Sneakers For Kids With Built-in AirTag Slot

Jibin Joseph — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:27:06 +0000

Concerned about where your kid is? Slip an AirTag into these shoes and track their location without making it obvious.

Skechers has launched a new line of kids’ sneakers that come with a built-in AirTag slot.

The shoe line, called Find My Skechers, was announced earlier this month and offers a hidden pocket under the insole. Parents can place an AirTag in the compartment and track …

Google Maps Is Going to Be Less Social Starting in September

James Peckham — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:15:06 +0000

The popular nav app is removing a feature where you can follow other members of the Google Maps community.

For the last five years, you’ve been able to follow individual contributors on Google Maps to see their recommendations on where to go, helping you discover hidden gems from people you trust. Now, Google is killing the feature.

On July 24, Google reports.

CarPlay Ultra brings Apple’s software into every screen of the vehicle, and allows car makers to customize the appearance based on their branding. In May, 20th anniversary with an interesting new feature: the ability to time travel through your favorite spots with Street View.

Google Earth added historical aerial imagery last year. And it already included access to current …

Bored? This Easy-to-Miss Google Earth Feature Lets You Travel Back in Time

PCMag Australia — Sat, 17 May 2025 17:41:52 +0000

Amateur history buffs can tap into the 'Historical imagery' feature on Google Earth and check out imagery dating back to the World War II era in some of the world’s largest cities.

If you're an avid TikToker, you may have noticed people using Google Street View to see how their neighborhoods have changed over the past 20 years and stroll down memory lane.

But as ZDNet reports, Google Earth actually allows …

Mexico Says It's Suing Google Over 'Gulf of America' Renaming on Maps

Jibin Joseph — Mon, 12 May 2025 15:20:58 +0000

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says Google Maps should use 'Gulf of America' only for the portions of the Gulf that lie within US territory.

"What's in a name?" is a question Google likely wants to avoid right now. The company just got caught up in a naming tussle between the US and Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is suing Google for renaming the entirety of

Oops: Google Accidentally Deletes Maps Timeline Data of Some Users

Jibin Joseph — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:29:10 +0000

The data loss was caused by a 'technical issue,' Google says.

Google has accidentally deleted user data that it may not be able to restore.

At issue is the Timeline feature on Google Maps. When enabled, it keeps a record of the places you have visited. For some, it serves as a …

MapQuest Lets You Name The Gulf of Mexico Whatever You Want

Michael Kan — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:25:56 +0000

MapQuest's service has also refused to change the Gulf of Mexico's name, despite Trump's executive order last month to rename it as the 'Gulf of America.'

Not a fan of the "Gulf of America?" MapQuest is poking fun at President Trump’s executive order to rename the body of water by releasing a new site that lets you rebrand it however you’d like.

The Name your own gulf site is …

Google Maps Adds Weather-Related Incident Reports for Safer Driving

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:53:36 +0000

The app now lets users report flooded or unplowed roads and low visibility.

Google Maps is adding more options to its incident-reporting feature, which will allow drivers to avoid or prepare for dangerous weather conditions.

As spotted by Android Police, Maps now allows users to flag flooded roads, low visibility, and unplowed roads. The …

It's Real: Google, Apple Maps Rename 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America'

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 23:04:04 +0000

Neither have renamed Denali to Mount McKinley yet.

UPDATE 2/11: Google and Apple have officially renamed the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on their respective Maps apps after the Geographic Names Information System updated the name on its system.

(Credit: Google)

Google Maps users in the US will see "Gulf of …

Google Street View Images Lead Police to a Murder Suspect

Jibin Joseph — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:57:51 +0000

Pro tip: Make sure you don't load a body into a trunk when a Street View car is driving by.

A Google Street View image of a man loading a white sack into the trunk of his car has helped police solve a murder case, BBC reports.

In November 2023, local police in Soria, Spain, received a complaint about a missing Cuban immigrant after the man's relative …

Apple Maps Plays Catchup to Google Maps With 'Look Around' on the Web

Tyler Hayes — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:17:30 +0000

Still in public beta, Apple Maps on the web now allows users to explore supported cities and countries worldwide, much like Google's Street View.

Apple has quietly rolled out its version of Google Street View to the web version of Apple Maps.

Apple Look Around lets people explore maps from a street-level point of view; it's available in

Detour Ahead? Google Maps Starts Showing Waze Incident Reports

Jibin Joseph — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:40:01 +0000

First previewed in July, the feature displays roadblocks reported by Waze drivers in the Google Maps app. You can dismiss them or add details based on your own journey.

Google now allows incident reports to be shared between Waze and Google Maps.

First previewed in July, the feature is now showing up in the Google Maps app. As Android Police reports, a Redditor noticed an incident …

Apple Maps Is Now Available on the Web

Jibin Joseph — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:05:44 +0000

Users can explore a beta version of Maps on Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs via beta.maps.apple.com.

Apple Maps is finally available on the web.

Users can explore Maps on Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs via beta.maps.apple.com. The web version offers driving and walking directions, and the option …

Google Maps Finally Brings Speedometer and Speed Limit Info to iPhone, CarPlay

Jibin Joseph — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:53:06 +0000

The features land on Google Maps for iOS five years after their debut on Android phones.

Google Maps has added speedometer and speed limit warnings on iOS and CarPlay, reports TechCrunch.

While the speedometer might not help most users (since your car’s dashboard already does the job), the speed limit warnings can help avoid some speeding tickets.

According to …

Waze EV Drivers Rejoice: Enhanced Charging Station Data Is Coming

Emily Forlini — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:48:27 +0000

Today, Waze began surfacing electric vehicle charger details in select countries, bringing it more on-par with what Google Maps and PlugShare have offered for years.

Popular navigation app Waze is adding more electric vehicle charging station data to its maps, beginning a global rollout today that will reach US users by mid-April, a spokesperson for Waze confirmed with PCMag.

"Charging station information is often inconsistent, outdated or unreliable, creating a major …

Waze 'Retro Mode' Takes You Back in Time

Stephanie Mlot — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Revisit the 1970s, '80s, and '90s with this limited-time theme.

Waze is targeting children of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s with a new Retro Mode.

Take a trip down memory lane with voices, vehicles, and moods from each bygone decade. (Yes, the 90s are now considered nostalgic.) "Retro Mode celebrates personalities and trends from the years most firmly cemented in today's …

Google Explains How AI Helps It Fix Inaccurate Business Hours

Nathaniel Mott — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 18:44:26 +0000

And, soon, identify speed zones and find potholes.

How does Google Maps know when a particular business is open? It turns out that AI plays a pretty important part in making sure Google can provide accurate information to its users.

The company says it developed a machine learning model "that automatically identifies if business hours …

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