How to Access Google Maps New AR Walking Directions
Earlier this year, Google announced Live View, an augmented reality version of walking routes for Google Maps that allows you to see routes overlaid on the world around you. So instead of trying to decide, “Am I being asked to walk along this street or another?” you will see an arrow literally on the street you are trying to go down.
The feature has been alpha tested for a while with local experts and Pixel users, and now Google is making it available to anyone with a phone that supports ARCore or ARKit.
We made a pretty detailed rundown of this feature when it was announced on Google I / O.
To access it, you simply load Maps as usual, enter your destination and click on the blue “Directions” icon. If this feature is available to you now, you will see the Start Augmented Reality icon, click on it to start driving in Augmented Reality.
It’s a pretty cool feature, although admittedly I don’t see myself using it in a ton. Regular maps can definitely get you where you are going, however, for those super-close streets I have to pick, this is a great option.
To use this feature, you need an ARCore or ARKit-enabled phone and the latest version of Google Maps. If you don’t see this option now, make sure your phone is compatible and you have the latest version of the app installed. If the feature is still MIA, come back in a few days and see if this deployment has gotten to you.