Top 5 Google Maps Android tricks to make your life easier; check list and how to use

Google Maps has several features which you have probably not explored yet. Here are some tricks you can benefit from.

Google Maps not only shows you the direction but can also let you share location, control music, etc. (Reuters)

Who does not love travelling and exploring new places, cities, states, countries, and more? But there are instances when you get lost or reach the wrong place instead of where you wanted to go. Asking people for the right path can be helpful but not always reliable. In such situations you can always take help from Google Maps as it will guide and send you towards the right direction and on to your destination. Even if you miss a certain direction, the app will change its directions accordingly, making it easier and convenient to travel.

It can direct you wherever you want to go. May it be some restaurant, your office, gyms, or somewhere else. But other than providing directions and finding places, Google Maps Android app has several other features which either we are not aware of or are not taking full advantage of. Here we list out some of the tricks you can use while using the app. Take out some time and explore these possibilities mentioned below:

1. Get all your trips automatically organised: Have you noticed Google calendar reminding you about your flights and meeting schedules? Similar to that you can get to know all about your trip via Maps. For this you need to open the app, click at the Saved tab at the bottom, and then scroll down and click on the Reservations button. You will be able to see your travel related plan, flights, restaurant reservations, etc. in an organized list.

2. Pin the places you frequently visit: You can pin the place you visit frequently and access them quickly. While searching for a specific location on the Maps app, look for the Pin option at the bottom of the screen after you have tapped the button to bring up directions. From the main Maps screen, tap the Go tab at the bottom and then look at the app's suggested places based on your recent activity. If you can see the trip you want, tap the pushpin icon alongside it to pin it.

3. Control your music with Maps: you can control your music from the Maps interface. Yes, you read it right! Maps can add audio controls directly into the app so that you can see your currently playing tunes and shuffle around as needed. For this you will have to go to Maps' settings, select "Navigation settings," and then click on "Assistant default media provider." You will have to pick from one of the available options, and whatever service you choose will show up within your navigation interface.

4. Share your location: Is someone looking for your address but cannot locate the exact location? You can help them find you or just simply give them an update where you are. For this you will have to click on the blue location dot and then select "Share location" from the menu that comes up. This will allow you to give anyone a link to follow your location in real-time on a map for a specific amount of time or until you turn the feature off.

5. Get specific restaurant suggestions: Are you planning to eat outside in a restaurant? Instead of browsing to restaurants nearby you can look for a specific restaurant using Maps. Tap the "Restaurants" option at the top of the main Maps screen, and pick from options displayed. You will have details like ratings, establishment's hours, cuisine it serves, etc. You can also, tap the little control icon in the upper-left corner of the restaurant search screen, and can select whatever filters you want.