Google Maps includes product search feature and delay reporting

Google Maps is getting a new Product Search feature along with the ability to report delays. These new features should help travelers plan their transport arrangements and shop with ease using Google Maps.

What is the ‘Products Search’ feature on Google Maps?

Google Maps is getting a new feature aimed at helping travelers buy products from nearby stores. The Products Search feature is rolling out to Google Maps and it will rely on search queries to direct users towards shops. Google Search does have this feature but it was limited to keywords. Moving forward, Google will be integrating product inventories from some stores into the search results on Maps.

The new feature should help travelers quickly locate and reach shops that sell their desired products. Moreover, Google Maps users should see the product listings from the stores where they might be available. Tapping on the listing would make Google Maps offer directions to the store from where buyers can pick it up. Besides apparel, the new Product Search feature in Google Maps will reportedly have listings for home goods, electronics, apparel, and grocery store items.

Travelers can report delays in Google Maps

In addition to hunting for products and shops that sell them using Google Maps, the app will also help travelers report and view delays on transit lines.

Google claims it will gather data from other commuters and local agencies. Google Maps will now reportedly offer helpful details like entrances to subway stations and alternate transit routes.

This feature is rolling out in the form of a button called “Report delay”. It will surface when Google Maps’ users are viewing a transit station. Using the same, travelers will be able to report any delays. This report will be visible to travelers who view the same transit station in the app. Travelers would also get a notification mentioning the delays.