Google Maps for iOS - App Update Feature

fondupot · September 8, 2015

I just noticed that the latest version of Google Maps for iOS now has a feature that allows the directions to be voiced over the intellilink radio as if it were a Bluetooth telephone call.

Previously, I could only get the Google Maps directions to be played if I was the "media Bluetooth" setting. So if I was listing to AM/FM/XM radio, i would not hear the Google Maps Directions.

But today I noticed a new feature in the app settings (after you enter a destination) that says "play voice directions like a Bluetooth phone call" (Not verbatim, but similar wording).

So now, if I have AM/FM/XM radio playing and a direction comes up on the phone, it will mute the music and play the Google Maps directions voice. And after it is done, it will resume the live radio. However, I noticed one caveat. If you turn your phone screen off, it will not play the directions. So make sure you leave your phone screen on. And make sure you have a charger handy, because navigation really drains battery.

Just thought I would share in case someone hasn't seen. I really like this new feature, since my in dash navigation is now over 2 years old and I am NOT paying $160 to update the maps when Google Maps for iPhone is 10x better and FREE.

See screenshot below!

Cheers!

ember1205 · September 8, 2015

Nice to see that they stepped up to compete with Apple Maps (this was added as an iOS-controlled feature for Apple Maps within the last couple of iOS updates. Thanks for sharing, too!

kp52 · September 8, 2015

As mentioned Apple maps has had that feature for a while. If you shut off the display with Apple maps it will remain dark until the next GPS event and then it will light back up.on its own.

Hopefully Google Maps will do that in the future, but at least the audio is there for now. I usually never use the Apple map app but with this '15 truck using siri and just asking for directions uses the apple map app and it works pretty well.

WendysOrBust · September 9, 2015

As mentioned Apple maps has had that feature for a while. If you shut off the display with Apple maps it will remain dark until the next GPS event and then it will light back up.on its own.

Hopefully Google Maps will do that in the future, but at least the audio is there for now. I usually never use the Apple map app but with this '15 truck using siri and just asking for directions uses the apple map app and it works pretty well.

Problem is Apple maps is terrible, on more than one occasion it would re-route me during my drive to a much, much longer way. Its also terrible at sending you places that no longer exist or at a different location. For example when I type in directions to my office it will send me to a location 1 mile East of its actual location.

kp52 · September 9, 2015

Problem is Apple maps is terrible, on more than one occasion it would re-route me during my drive to a much, much longer way. Its also terrible at sending you places that no longer exist or at a different location. For example when I type in directions to my office it will send me to a location 1 mile East of its actual location.

I've had routing issues with Garmins and every other factory NAV I have had. None are perfect, even Google maps.. So far the siri/apple maps have done the job, I never used the apple maps until I bought this truck and its so easy to use with siri.. I also keep a Garmin Nuvi in the glove compartment since I end up in areas with no cell coverage so between Google maps, Apple maps and the Garmin I can find where I need to go.

Potts · October 2, 2015

I'm typically using my phone over Bluetooth, but that is a good to know feature, thanks for posting. I never saw that option

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fondupot · October 2, 2015

Just to update, I figured out a way to make the notifications come through when the screen is turned off.

First you have to go into Google Maps app. Click menu > Settings > Notifications. And make sure "Background" Navigation Instructions is turned on.

Now exit the Google Maps app, go into the iPhone settings > Notifications. make sure Google Maps is "included" with notifications. Also make sure "show on Lock Screen" is enabled.

The screen will light up when a new direction comes, with a notification of the next direction. Also the voice commands come over the radio.

Very helpful.

blwright · October 2, 2015

Also to note, after the route is downloaded you can turn off cellular data if you're restricted on your data package.

simon.hed · October 2, 2015

IFL

Darth_Vader · October 3, 2015

I used this feature on my '09 Sierra 3500 as it was better than the factory Nav. But I agree, keep a charger on hand, even with the ability to get updates with the lock screen it will drain the battery.

Ridersfan · October 15, 2015

This is a great thread. Thanks all for the tips!

Ganny76 · October 15, 2015

I have been using the Waze app for awhile and it has this feature. Better map app in my opinion.

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black00ta · October 16, 2015

Yep, On the previous iOS 8 software the Google Maps over Intellilink was hit and miss but I could get it to work on Bluetooth only (not plugged in charging via USB.) If it was plugged in there would be no audio for Google Maps.

Now on iOS 9 you can transmit audio/Google Maps via USB w/ Bluetooth OFF and have charging simultaneously.

scott19677 · October 16, 2015

Yep, On the previous iOS 8 software the Google Maps over Intellilink was hit and miss but I could get it to work on Bluetooth only (not plugged in charging via USB.) If it was plugged in there would be no audio for Google Maps.

Now on iOS 9 you can transmit audio/Google Maps via USB w/ Bluetooth OFF and have charging simultaneously.

I have an older iPhone and I got everything to work last night ( thanks Fondupot) but I can't seem to get the voice prompt to work when phone is plugged in. Any one have any tips for the tech challenged? I'm just an analog guy in a digital world. BTW after reading fondupots post last night I got the app working went ahead and entered the BBP tune meet in Atlanta destination getting ready for this Saturday and then drove around for an hour or two and it worked great. If I could only get it work when plugged in. thanks.

fondupot · October 16, 2015

I have an older iPhone and I got everything to work last night ( thanks Fondupot) but I can't seem to get the voice prompt to work when phone is plugged in. Any one have any tips for the tech challenged? I'm just an analog guy in a digital world. BTW after reading fondupots post last night I got the app working went ahead and entered the BBP tune meet in Atlanta destination getting ready for this Saturday and then drove around for an hour or two and it worked great. If I could only get it work when plugged in. thanks.

are you plugging into a USB port on the truck? Or are you using a cigarette lighter/adapter Usb thing?

If you are going to a USB port then I think the "media" mode is taking over and then you would only hear the sounds when on usb media mode on the radio.

When I plug my iphone in to charge, I have a little cigarette lighter adapter with a USb port on it so I can charge it and NOT have it interfere with the radio modes. Make sense?

Something like this: