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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Google Maps for Android and iPhone?

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There are several differences between Google Maps for Android and iPhone, including:

  1. Navigation: On the Android version of Google Maps, the navigation works more like a standalone GPS device, automatically updating your next turn based on your current location. With the iPhone, you have to constantly advance the directions to keep up with your next turn, which can be a distraction while driving.
  2. Offline Reliability: Google Maps for Android has a feature called "offline reliability," which saves a cache of frequently used areas of the map, allowing for better accessibility when offline.
  3. Voice Commands: On Android, you can search for locations or begin navigation using voice commands, while this feature is not as robust on the iPhone version.
  4. Additional Layers: Google Maps on Android provides additional layers, including 3D imagery and a terrain layer, which are not available on the iPhone version.
  5. Biking Directions: Google Maps on Android can provide biking directions in addition to public transit, driving, or walking directions, while the iPhone version does not have this feature.
  6. Interface Differences: Google Maps for iPhone has a cleaner user interface, making it easier on the eyes compared to the Android version.

Despite these differences, both versions of Google Maps include business listings, traffic reporting, compass mode, street view, driving directions, public transit directions, and walking directions. They also allow you to save frequent and recent searches for quick navigation.

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  • What is the Difference Between Google Maps for Android and iPhone?
  • Comparative Table: Google Maps for Android vs iPhone

    • Comparative Table: Google Maps for Android vs iPhone

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Google Maps for Android and iPhone:

    Feature Google Maps for Android Google Maps for iPhone
    Availability Available as a separate app Released in December 2012 after Apple's mapping app faced criticism
    UI Customization Allows for more customization due to its Linux-based and partly open-source nature Less customizable compared to Android version, but praised for its design and ease of use
    Features Generally offers more features compared to the iPhone version Initially surpassed the Android version in terms of features, but the Android version is expected to catch up
    Parking Information Displays a P logo at the bottom of the screen along with one of three designations: limited, medium, and easy (plus On-site for retailers with large parking lots) when searching for driving directions Similar feature available, but may vary in presentation
    Location Sharing Allows users to share their current location with people for specified periods of time Similar feature available, but may vary in presentation
    Time Travel With Google Maps Street View Feature available Feature available

    Please note that the differences between the two versions may vary over time as Google updates and improves its map product. The table above provides a general comparison based on the search results.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.