Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 6 hrs ago
Google Maps is preparing airport-arrival greetings for travelers
A Google Maps Android update suggests the app is preparing greetings for travelers arriving in new cities.
The messages would welcome users by city and suggest using Ask Maps to find a way into town, choose a first meal or see what is happening that night.
A prepared prompt would let users ask for those recommendations directly, and an airport geofence component appears designed to detect arrivals in the background.
The feature is intended to promote Ask Maps, Google Maps’ conversational tool for finding places and activities.
The code refers to support for more than 90 airports worldwide.
The feature is still in development, so Google has not confirmed when it will launch.
Google Maps appears to be developing messages that greet users when they arrive at airports in new cities.
The messages are designed to encourage travelers to use the app’s Ask Maps feature for local recommendations and travel help.
Android Authority found the feature in a version 26.45.00.1011720968 update of Google Maps for Android.
The app appears to use location-based airport geofencing to detect arrivals.
The report found references to support for more than 90 airports worldwide.
- Who
- Google Maps users arriving in new cities by air.
- What
- The app appears to be preparing airport-arrival greetings that prompt travelers to try Ask Maps.
- When
- The feature was found in Google Maps for Android version 26.45.00.1011720968; a launch date is not stated.
- Where
- More than 90 airports around the world are referenced, including Amsterdam, Dubai, London and Tokyo.
- Why
- The greetings appear designed to encourage users to ask Maps for help getting into town, finding a first meal and discovering local events.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Google first introduced Ask Maps.
Android Authority found airport-arrival greeting strings in a Google Maps for Android update.
- Android version
- 26.45.00.1011720968
- Airport coverage
- More than 90 airports
- Greeting title
- Welcome to %1$s
- Feature prompt
- Ask Maps
What people are saying
Welcome to %1$s
Ask Maps to help you get into town, find a great first meal, and discover what's happening tonight.