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Martin Brinkmann at gHacks reports
Google is rolling out a new traffic information [widget] for the mobile version of Google Maps [...] that integrates traffic information in the navigator.
The feature works in two [...] ways. In the first, traffic information [is] immediately displayed to you once you enter your destination in the app.
The application informs you about traffic jams, construction, or any other obstacles that may slow you down on your way to your destination. In addition to giving reasons, it highlights by how much you [will be] slowed down if you take a particular route.
The information [is] updated while you are following the directions Google Maps provides [...]. You may receive congestion alerts that include a delay estimate so that you know what you are getting yourself into.
Google Maps may suggest alternative routes while you are driving, and each alternative includes explanations [...] why it recommends [that you] take that route.
[...] Google makes no mention whether it is limited to certain geographical locations.
[...] The functionality seems similar to what Waze offers, a company that Google acquired in 2013.
In the comments, Naveed notes that he has already been using the feature but doesn't say for how long nor where he is.[...] and Martin, whose first language is German, uses English better than some guys I've encountered who only speak English.
[Editor's Comment: Original Submission]
(Score: 3, Informative) by Grishnakh on Tuesday May 26 2015, @10:00PM
I've been using Google Maps for ages, and it's been doing this for me for probably a year now. How is this news? It's been showing red or yellow on your path for a long time indicating congestion, and for a while now it'll suggest an alternate route while you're driving, and ask you to confirm it.
(Score: 0, Flamebait) by Placenta on Tuesday May 26 2015, @10:09PM
The summary very clearly explains what's new. Trying reading it.
(Score: 4, Informative) by Grishnakh on Tuesday May 26 2015, @10:19PM
I did, asshole.
The feature works in two [...] ways. In the first, traffic information [is] immediately displayed to you once you enter your destination in the app. The application informs you about traffic jams, construction, or any other obstacles that may slow you down on your way to your destination. In addition to giving reasons, it highlights by how much you [will be] slowed down if you take a particular route.
This is already here. When you enter a destination, it gives you several alternatives, sorted by travel time. That travel time is computed based on current traffic conditions for each route.
The information [is] updated while you are following the directions Google Maps provides [...]. You may receive congestion alerts that include a delay estimate so that you know what you are getting yourself into. Google Maps may suggest alternative routes while you are driving,
This is already here. While you're driving, if it finds a faster route (because yours has gotten slow due to congestion), it'll alert you to it and ask if you want to take the new route.
(Score: 0, Flamebait) by Placenta on Tuesday May 26 2015, @10:24PM
You clearly did not read the article, either.
It very clearly states:
In the future, please read the articles linked to from the summary.
(Score: 4, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 26 2015, @10:42PM
You said the summary explained. It didn't. Asshole.
(Score: 0) by Placenta on Wednesday May 27 2015, @12:43AM
The summary did explain what's new to the majority of users.
The article explained why it isn't new to a small handful of users.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by DaTrueDave on Tuesday May 26 2015, @11:16PM
I've talked to many people all over this country, and in others, and they've had these features for quite a while. The Waze additions may be US-centric, but the traffic reporting certainly is not.
(Score: 2) by Grishnakh on Tuesday May 26 2015, @11:32PM
Fuck you, asshole. As the AC said, you said it was in the summary. It was NOT in the summary, so that makes you a liar, and an asshole.
And why the fuck would I read an article when the summary clearly omits extremely important information, leading me to believe it's a stupid article that's not worth my time?
(Score: -1, Offtopic) by Placenta on Wednesday May 27 2015, @12:50AM
You should read both the summary and the article. They're very informative.
(Score: 2) by Tork on Wednesday May 27 2015, @01:03AM
Slashdolt Logic: "25 year old jokes about sharks and lasers are +5, Funny." 💩
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 27 2015, @01:54AM
> You should read both the summary and the article. They're very informative.
Autism for the lose.
(Score: 2) by Nerdfest on Wednesday May 27 2015, @01:29AM
There actually used to be a widget (on Android of course) that would allow you to have an indicator for travel time to a specific destination. The Widget showed the destination name, time, and an LED that was green, yellow, or red based on traffic conditions. It was very handy, but it disappeared a couple of years ago. There's something similar but a little more pro-active with Google Now, but you actually need to look at the notifications (unless the delays are going to make you late for a scheduled meeting or something).