Maps for Android adds ‘OK ‘ voice, navigation comms other search tricks

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Published 29 Sep 2016

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Next time you’re wondering where the nearest gas station is, the answer will be just a voice comm away.

announced that it’s enabling a host of new voice comms in Maps for Android that will allow you to search for a locations, get details about your route, or even call your mother without the need to touch your phone.

The impact on you: ile there are many good apps to help you go hs-free, Maps probably dominates your usage while driving. These features will allow you to mount your phone on the dashboard or set it on the console not need to touch it while still accessing all of the useful information.

Get ready for more ‘OK ’

To make sure you are ready to try these out, first check that you have hs-free voice comms turned on. Head to the app go to Settings > OK detection enable ile driving. This is rolling out on the server side, so if you don’t see it right away then be sure to check back again.

ok google while driving t ng

Make sure you have the while driving setting turned on so you can get going with voice comms.

Once this is flipped on, you’ll be able to ask if there are gas stations nearby, where the nearest coffee shop is, or what is the upcoming turn in your navigation route. You can also perform non-Maps related comms, like making a phone call or playing music. It brings a wider array of voice capabilities to you while you’re inside of a navigation session.

maps gas stations t ng

Ask maps for gas stations during your next road trip.

Here’s the full list of voice comms, direct from : 

Searches

  • How do I get to [name of place]?
  • Show me a map of [name of place].

Directions travel

  • ”Mute.” or “Mute voice guidance.”
  • ”Unmute.” or “Unmute voice guidance.”
  • ”Show traffic.” or “Hide traffic.”
  • ”Show satellite.” or “Hide satellite.”
  • ”Navigate home.” or “Navigate to Starbucks.”
  • ”Show route overview.” or “Show alternate routes.”
  • ”at road is this?”
  • ”at’s my next turn?”
  • ”at’s my ETA?”
  • ”How’s traffic ahead?” or “How’s traffic to home?”
  • ”Avoid tolls.” or “Enable tolls.”
  • ”Avoid highways.” or “Enable highways.”
  • ”Avoid ferries.” or “Enable ferries.”
  • ”Exit navigation.”

Other comms

  • ”Call Mom.”
  • ”Find gas stations.” or “Find restaurants.”
  • ”Send a text to rry.” or “Send an SMS to Sergey, I’m feeling lucky.”
  • ”at’s the weather like?” or “How’s the weather in Seattle?”
  • ”ay some jazz.” or “ay happy birthday on ay Music.”
  • ”at’s the closest hotel?”
  • ”en’s my next meeting?”