Google Maps Adds a Shortcut to See the Traffic Conditions in Your Area
Android: For many of us, Google Maps has long replaced radio broadcasts that let you know about traffic on your way home. Google now makes it easy to view the traffic status around you with a shortcut on your home screen.
As Android Police discovered, there is a new 1×1 shortcut that you can add to your home screen. When you click on it, you will be taken to a screen similar to the one shown above, which shows the traffic conditions in your area. Unlike using navigation, this will show traffic in all directions, not just on your route. This is a small change, but it can be useful to test before you hit the road.
Google Maps v9.39 adds a convenient traffic widget and suggests data on loaded places in real time | Police Android