Even when driving back home from frequently visited locations, Google Maps , at least for me, is always a dear companion.
When traveling back from locations that I frequent, I don't really need Google Maps for directions. Instead, I rely on it almost exclusively for real-time traffic insights, routes to get me home quicker, and most importantly, the estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Without even starting turn-by-turn navigation, Google Maps can tell me how long it will take for me to get home — a workflow that is reportedly set to get even simpler.
First highlighted by Discord user winner00 who shared their findings with the folks over at Android Authority , it looks like Google Maps will soon take a proactive approach when it comes to telling you the ETA.
A very limited rollout so far
Current (top), potentially upcoming (bottom)
The first screenshot above highlights what Google Maps' top bar currently looks like for me. The screenshot underneath highlights user winner00's findings.
The main difference between the two is that the second screenshot highlights an additional 'Home' chip with what appears to be the ETA next to it. Although not explicitly mentioned, it is likely that the color of the ETA denotes real-time traffic conditions. Orange, as seen in the screenshot, would suggest slight delays along the route. Green would denote clear roads, while red would highlight significant congestion.
The updated chip doesn't seem to have made its way out widely just yet. I tried three different Google accounts on three different phones, and none seem to have the new 'home ETA' chip just yet.
Has the nifty little home ETA chip rolled out to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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