Google Maps News and Articles

Google Earth just turned your browser into a flight simulator

Google Earth has brought its flight simulator to the web, originally an Easter egg in the desktop app. No download required anymore: just open Google Earth, hit Explore Earth, then Tools > Flight Simulator. You get two aircraft: the F-16 for speed or the Cirrus SR22 for sightseeing. The experience works best at slower speeds, as the app needs time to stream terrain and satellite imagery in real time.

By Ivan Franco, June 15, 2026, 12:39 PM

Google Car Tech

Android Auto's biggest update in years delivers edge-to-edge Maps, Gemini, and HD video streaming

Most of the new features will roll out later this year

By Kishalaya Kundu, May 13, 2026, 2:36 PM 9 comments

Google AI

Google Maps gets conversational with Gemini-powered "Ask Maps"

Maps overhaul can interpret user queries about timing, preferences, and location - introduces immersive 3D navigation

By Skye Jacobs, March 13, 2026, 5:18 AM

The Web Google

Google Maps is hiding reviews, photos, and more unless you sign in

Signed-out users report a new "limited view"

By Rob Thubron, February 20, 2026, 6:57 AM 13 comments

Software Google

AI is taking over Google Maps to plan routes, find parking, and answer questions

Gemini will help you find cafes, report accidents, and navigate using your voice

By Kishalaya Kundu, November 6, 2025, 11:48 AM 7 comments

The Web Software

Google Maps faces roadblocks in South Korea as detailed navigation remains restricted

Government officials have again postponed a decision on Google's map export request

By Skye Jacobs, August 10, 2025, 12:24 PM

The Web Software

German roads thrown into chaos after Google Maps mislabels highways as closed

Terrorism, hackers, natural disaster? No, just a Google Maps glitch

By Rob Thubron, May 31, 2025, 11:10 AM 8 comments

Google The Web

Mexico sues Google for renaming Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

Mexico's president previouly threatened legal action

By Rob Thubron, May 12, 2025, 5:18 AM 39 comments

The Web Google

Mexico threatens lawsuit against Google over "Gulf of America" name on Google Maps

Mexico's president suggested North America be renamed América Mexicana

By Rob Thubron, February 18, 2025, 5:16 AM 43 comments

The Web Google

Google Maps renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America following Trump's executive order

Only for US users, though

By Kishalaya Kundu, February 11, 2025, 9:09 AM 48 comments

The Web News Around the Web

Google Street View shot of man allegedly stuffing body into car helps police solve case

A routine map update turns grim witness

By Zo Ahmed, December 19, 2024, 7:43 AM

The Web Google

Google rolls out Gemini AI features across Maps, Earth, and Waze

Enhanced with conversational queries and more detailed insights

By Skye Jacobs, November 1, 2024, 8:26 AM

The Web Apple

Apple Maps is now available on the web

Beta available on Safari, Chrome and Edge, with more features coming later

By Daniel Sims, July 25, 2024, 6:51 AM

Google Mobile

Users challenge distracting Google Maps pop-up ads that suggest "quick detours"

The good old days: When I was a young whipper-snapper driving off into unfamiliar territory, I had to buy a paper map. Yes, maps used to be printed on large sheets of folded paper that you could never refold. I would plan out my route in advance, and turn-by-turn directions were obtained by memorizing a list or by my navigator (aka wife, friend, brother) reading from my notes. Then, the internet ruined everything.

Full story By Cal Jeffrey, July 9, 2024, 2:41 PM 9 comments

What Ever Happened to MapQuest?

FEATURE By Amir Shoam, May 13, 2024, 6:07 AM TechSpot Tech Culture

Today, you can simply type the name of a destination and instantly get a map with turn-by-turn directions to get there. These advancements predated the smartphone, thanks to a service called MapQuest.