Apps
Google Maps for Android improves tunnel navigation with Bluetooth beacons
Google Maps for Android has added Bluetooth beacons support to navigate easily through tunnels. The feature is currently available for Android devices, but not on Google Maps for iOS. It only works in tunnels that have Bluetooth beacons installed.
Bluetooth beacons are small devices that emit signals, which can be detected by smartphones. They can provide location information in places where GPS is not available, such as tunnels.
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Google-owned Waze has been using Bluetooth beacons for tunnel navigation since 2016, but they only worked with the Waze app. Now, Google Maps for Android can also use these beacons to improve location accuracy in tunnels.
The feature can be found under Settings >> Navigation Settings >> Driving Options. It is disabled by default, but users can enable it by permitting it to scan for nearby devices. Once enabled, Google Maps for Android will use Bluetooth beacons to provide seamless navigation in tunnels that are equipped with the Waze Beacons program.
