Update 10/4: The new Google Maps commute and music features are rolling out now. Many users are seeing the Commute tab and the music options are in the Navigation Settings. We can confirm on our own devices. Enjoy!

Google Maps has literally changed the way people get to and from work over the last decade. During a time when people would print out directions from MapQuest, Google swooped in and took the market over by storm. Then smartphones started to grow in popularity and Google adopted its mapping service for this new generation of users. Over time, they've added a number of features including turn-by-turn navigation, early warnings of traffic jams, and more. Today, the company announced a new update that brings in a number of commuting features and the integration of Spotify, Google Play Music, and Apple Music.

We all commute to our jobs in different ways. The majority of us enjoy listening to music or a podcast during the route so many would open up their favorite music player (streaming or locally stored) and start-up a playlist before minimizing it and opening the Google Maps application. Controlling these music players would require swiping down the notification shade, but if your go-to music player of choice is Spotify, Google Play Music, or Apple Music, then you can control it directly within this new Google Maps update.

Another big feature added in this update may not get talked about as much but that doesn't make it any less important. There are a lot of people who drive to a subway, bus, or train station and then use that mode of transportation to get to work. These "mixed-mode" commuters weren't always easy to keep organized on Google Maps, but that changes with this new update to the application. Once updated, as soon as you begin your commute you will see each section of your trip so you know if you should expect something to be delayed or not.

Google Maps

This includes knowing if there are any delays during your drive, when the next train, bus, or subway is scheduled to depart, and how long it will take you to walk from said station to your office building. This feature is bound to be way more important than music player integration in certain parts of the world, but it proves that the team behind Google Maps is working to help add new features that everyone can enjoy.

Google Maps
Google Maps Developer: Google LLC
Price: Free
4.1
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Source: Google