It looks like Google Maps, which is a web mapping platform, plans to introduce a multi-car navigation feature.
Reportedly, the new feature can help to bring enhanced functionality for those travelling in groups too, via a potential multi-car navigation feature.
According to a patent filed by Google with the US Patent and Trademark Office (via @xleaks7) on June 25, the search giant is ‘developing plans for a feature which allows users from different locations to navigate to a shared destination within a specified time.’
As reported by, “Providing Navigation Instructions to One Device in View of Another Device” patent, the new feature is for a navigation service that can determine multiple users travelling to a common destination from different origin points.
The new feature is expected to have access to the calendar schedule and messages of users to determine the travelling intentions of users.
If multiple users are detected, it is claimed to coordinate the travel.
The new feature seems to be sending them invites to join the multi-car navigation.
Eventually it will also be providing directions to the same destination within similar timelines.
With the proposed feature,you might be able to place explicit requests for multi-car navigation when organising trips.
The navigation service can indicate the locations of all users travelling on the map, routes shared by all parties, identify places where they can wait for each other and also suggest speed adjustments, according to the patent.
According to sources, Google Maps will also offer ETA information for all members of the group.
This will help you to keep a track when others are projected to arrive at the destination.
Additionally, it can also offer real-time information and up-to-date traffic data obtained from the first vehicle driving to the configured destination.
These features can avoid potential slowdowns, like accidents and traffic jams, and guide the rest of the group on an alternative route if it discovers a major delay.
It may also send a notification if a vehicle in the group takes a detour, and suggest stops on the way to others in order to let them catch up.
Furthermore, the feature is expected to work with smartphones not only operating as standalone but also devices connected to a vehicle’s infotainment system through USB or Bluetooth, the patent highlighted.
Source : https://www.msn.com/en-in/travel/news/google-maps-to-make-group-travels-easier-with-this-upcoming-feature/ar-BB1poRUb?cvid=134a807d67d147f4ad61417fc87121c9&ei=43
