No Waze! Navigation apps are turning men into worse drivers. A study shows female voice assistants trigger mating-related cues, like risky behavior. Seriously, 40% of men in the experiment were more likely to run a yellow light. Switch to a male voice, dudes.
Google Maps and Apple Maps: 8 hidden settings you'll use all the time
Thanks to the constellation of satellites, we can use GPS to chart our paths. We don’t have to worry about getting lost in new areas because navigation apps help us find our way through unknown territory. They also offer plenty of secret GPS settings you should know about.
Since Google Maps and Apple Maps have been around for so long, developers have had ample time to develop new features. You may have missed some of the most valuable updates, like voice control capabilities or the ability to track your parked car. Here are secret GPS settings you can start using today.
Let’s start with Google Maps
We’re starting with Google Maps because it’s at the top of its game. Here are ways to make the most of it.
1. Use Google Maps in incognito mode
That’s right: You can navigate privately. If you’re wondering why this is an option, you may not know all of your visits are saved to your Google account. This means people may be able to see where you’ve been.
One researcher was able to see everywhere his wife went. It all came down to the Google Maps Timeline feature. Tap or click here for the story behind a feature that tracks your every movement.
Bottom line: Google knows where you go. Turn on incognito mode if you don’t want a visit saved to your profile. This way, Google Maps won’t keep your search history or update your location history.
How to turn on Incognito mode on iPhone or iPad
- First, open Google Maps on your iPhone or iPad.
- Then tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Lastly, tap Turn on Incognito mode.
How to turn on Incognito mode on Android
- First, open Google Maps on your Android.
- Next, tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Then, tap Turn on Incognito mode.
Genius! 7 must-try voice commands to use with Siri and Google Assistant
A voice assistant is like your own genie: Your wish is its command. For example, you can use it to open navigation apps while you drive. This way, you’re keeping both hands on the wheel and focusing on the road instead of your screen.
You have to agree to these terms of service or say goodbye to Google Maps
Driving around town with Google Maps, you may have recently seen a notice on the display when you opened the app. Many users might glance over it and hit the OK button, but it’s actually an important update.
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are great for getting around, but it needs to get the live data from somewhere. You are the most valuable source of this driving data that is shared with others.
These are the banned Google Maps locations you can't see
Navigation apps are great, especially if you are getting back into traveling as restrictions ease. They not only guide you to your destination but can show you hot spots and points of interest along the way.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t drawbacks. These apps use your data and if you’re not careful, they can contribute to hitting your limit and also slow your phone down. Tap or click here to read about five types of apps that are guilty of this and how to stop them.
This app helps you get where you're going without tracking you using GPS
Remember the days before GPS was around and trying to navigate through an unfamiliar city? Struggling to read one of those old paper maps could turn into a nightmare real quick and many times you’d have to swallow your pride and ask a local for directions.