Google recently introduced an interesting update in Google Mapsaimed at improving the browsing experience of users, in particular within the galleries. Although Maps is the app most loved by car drivers (and not only), it constantly requires the use of GPS. This could be a problem when entering the tunnel. To solve this problem, the Mountain View company has added a new option in settings which improves navigation accuracy. Google relies on so-called Bluetooth beacons: small Bluetooth devices installed in the tunnel wall that communicate with Android smartphones and can provide exact location. The devices are very convenient, they just cost a few eurosand they are also very energy efficient thanks to the radio standard BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). By strategically deploying Bluetooth Beacons in these locations, Google intends to provide users with a smoother browsing experience.
Google Maps: how to activate the Bluetooth Beacon option in the galleries
The new Google Maps feature should be already enabled by default. If this setting is not activated, just open the app Google Mapstap the icon with your own profile picture and select “Settings”. In the new tab that opens, then select “Navigation settings” and scroll to “Driving options”. Here it will be possible to activate the switch in the “Bluetooth beacons in galleries”. The consumption of Bluetooth technology in this context has been optimized for minimize any impact significant impact on the device’s battery life. Therefore, considering this energy-efficient implementation, users can choose to leave Bluetooth turned on.
The recent inclusion of Bluetooth beacons in Google Maps represents one strategic move by the Google development team, which allows you to improve navigation in difficult environments such as tunnels. However, it should be remembered that, although Bluetooth beacons are already present in countries such as Europe, United States, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Israel, Norway, Brazil e Chile, in some tunnels they may not be present. This means that navigation in those sections may not be very precise or absent at all.