One other 12 months is about to return to an finish, and I nonetheless have not ready an inventory of apps that I depend on probably the most. But when I ever make one, Google Maps will definitely be there, maybe within the prime 5.
I not too long ago found its hidden zoom functionality, and it modified how I take advantage of Google Maps. The function was hiding in plain sight in Google Maps, and I discovered it years after utilizing the app.
I am glad I discovered it as a result of the function has now grow to be an integral a part of my every day navigation routine. It additionally made me understand that I used to be utilizing Google Maps fallacious.
Right here is why I take advantage of it on daily basis.
I finished utilizing Google Maps and this Android app made me love driving once more
Typically, being linked to the web makes driving worse
Google Maps contains a one-finger zoom that I wasn’t conscious of
I found Google Maps’ one-finger zoom accidentally, and it has been a game-changer to date.
It was solely after discovering the hidden one-finger gesture that I spotted how inconvenient it was to zoom in or out utilizing pinch gestures.
The pinch gestures had been dangerous to make use of, particularly when driving. I additionally keep in mind dropping my then-favorite 6.67-inch OnePlus 7 Professional whereas zooming in with one hand on Google Maps.
It was extra susceptible to slipping out of hand throughout one-handed utilization due to its curved show and enormous measurement.
That is how I broke the show on my OnePlus 7 Professional, and it wasn’t low-cost to get it repaired, as I did not have insurance coverage.
I’ve been doubly cautious since then and stopped utilizing pinch gestures whereas holding my telephone with one hand.
As a substitute, I finished strolling and used each fingers: one for holding it correctly and the opposite for pinching to zoom in or out.
All of that’s now a factor of the previous, because of the one-finger zoom functionality within the Google Maps app.
As a substitute of utilizing the thumb and forefinger to pinch out and in, I double-tap the display, maintain my thumb on the second faucet, then slide as much as zoom out and slide all the way down to zoom in.
What I additionally love in regards to the one-finger zoom is that it is not restricted to Android.
Whereas there are no less than a few caveats to utilizing Google’s navigation app on an iPhone, I take advantage of Google Maps’ zooming on my iPhone 16e the identical method as I do on my Android handset.
Why do I take advantage of Google Maps’ one-finger zoom on daily basis?
I do not imply to say I take advantage of the function on daily basis in a literal sense, as a result of I do not exit each day. However I take advantage of one-finger zoom each time I must, ever since I found it.
I take advantage of Google Maps’ one-finger zoom not as a result of it appears to be like cool, however as a result of it turns out to be useful in conditions the place I would like to identify lanes whereas I am on the transfer.
It wasn’t simple to get used to it, as a result of truthfully, I do not suppose it is as easy and as simple to make use of because the pinch gestures while you aren’t transferring or aren’t in a crowded place.
Whereas there are conditions the place the pinch gestures are simpler to make use of, I am not going again to them once more due to the poor risk-reward ratio.
The one-finger zoom can even turn out to be useful once I use navigation on a bigger “Professional” telephone.
So, for me, it is a matter of creating a stable muscle reminiscence to arrange for what comes subsequent, as a result of I am planning to purchase a “Professional” flagship subsequent 12 months. Hopefully, the AI increase will not make them too dear to purchase.
Google Maps could make your life simpler, however provided that you know the way to make use of it
Google Maps simply works, however you will not have the ability to use it to its full potential if you do not know methods to use it.
The flexibility to zoom in or out with one finger is only one instance. It additionally packs many different helpful options that may make your life simpler.
Nevertheless, I do not want all of them as a result of exploring new locations is not my every day routine, which is the case for most individuals all over the place.
Moreover, I comply with finest practices for getting probably the most out of Google Maps. These can change with time, primarily based on what modifications Google introduces to the app.
I paid a heavy worth for a very long time for not being within the loop of what new options Google is including to Google Maps. So, I dropped my outdated habits to make Google Maps navigation sooner.
However of all of the modifications to my use instances in current occasions, the one-finger zoom is the one which impacted me probably the most. I am glad it did not take lengthy to grow to be muscle reminiscence. I take advantage of my proper thumb to zoom in or out.