Google Maps can predict where you want to go before you tell it

The next version of Google Maps for Android will come with a new feature that will automatically figure out your destination while you drive and offer helpful information as you go. Android Police reports that the app’s latest version has a new ‘Driving Mode’ that’s useful for when you already know the way to your destination. You can activate it from within the app or a home screen shortcut, and it’ll guess where you’re going, based on your search and location history. It’ll then give you traffic updates and estimated drive time as you travel. The feature seems similar in theory to the Google Now cards that alert users about traffic ahead of their commutes, but differs in that you have to turn Driving Mode on manually and as such, the prompts aren’t based on your daily travel habits. Driving Mode is part of Google Maps version 9.19, and is still being rolled out. If you haven’t got it yet, you can try installing the APK yourself. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to go through a few settings to enable the feature, and Android Police has had difficulty replicating its steps to do. Hopefully, this issue will be sorted by the time the app becomes available through official channels. It’s not immediately clear when Driving Mode will arrive for iOS. We’ve contacted Google to learn more and will update this post when we hear back.