Google Maps Update Will Help You Navigate Chaotic Holiday Shopping Crowds
Image ID 101788678 © via Nikom Khotjan | Dreamstime.com
As you head out into the world to prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it’s still wise to avoid large crowds. After all, the pandemic is still raging on, and despite the number of people who’ve been vaccinated, cases are on the rise once again.
To help you combat holiday crowds, Google Maps is expanding its Area Busyness feature to include more frequented locations, such as stores, museums, parks, and other recreational places.
Upon opening Google Maps on your smartphone, you’ll be able to scan how busy a particular area is. You can zoom in to find out just how many people are at a store, and plan ahead so you’re never stuck in a jam — be it human or traffic. According to Gizmodo, the function will be rolled out globally for Android and iOS.
Additionally, under the app’s updated Directory tab, users will be able to see just how many people are in a shopping mall, train station, or airport. It’ll point out which areas of a location are the least crowded, so you can still keep six feet apart while shopping during this busy period.
If you’re still hesitant to go grocery shopping, Google has a solution for that, too. The Maps app has expanded its grocery pickup service to more Kroger, Fry’s, Ralphs, and Mariano’s stores. At the moment, there are 2,000 locations across 30 states in the US to choose from. It’ll even update you in real-time when to head over to pick up your haul!
The tech giant said most users spent less than five minutes waiting for their groceries, so if you’re planning on hosting this year’s festive dinner, this may be the best way to snag a turkey or ham without having to go elbow-to-elbow with others in an actual store.
For more information on each feature, head over here for the full update.
[via Gizmodo, cover image via Nikom Khotjan | Dreamstime.com]
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