In July this year, Google introduced a highly anticipated feature to Google Maps—its speedometer. While many drivers were eager to start using it, the launch hasn’t been without its share of problems.
A much-requested feature, but is it reliable?
Drivers had long been asking for a speedometer within Google Maps, so when the feature was finally released, it was met with excitement. The idea was simple: help drivers avoid speeding tickets and make roads safer by displaying both the current speed of the vehicle and the speed limit for the road. This allowed for easy monitoring of speed compliance, helping users drive more responsibly.
User complaints start rolling in
Despite the enthusiasm, some Android and iOS users have taken to forums like Reddit and Google’s own platforms to report issues. The most common complaint? The speedometer stops working when users receive notifications or switch between apps. In most cases, the feature reappears after restarting the app, but that’s hardly convenient during a long drive.
Other users have noticed the speedometer disappearing altogether after just a minute of using Google Maps, leading to frustration and a search for solutions.
Waze vs. Google Maps: which one does it better?
Interestingly, Google already owns another navigation app—Waze—that has had a similar speed-monitoring feature for quite some time. According to various driver tests, Waze’s speedometer performs significantly better, offering accurate readings without the bugs that plague Google Maps.
In one test, Google Maps’ speedometer consistently displayed a speed 2 km/h lower than the actual speed, while Waze showed the correct numbers. While a slight difference, this discrepancy can cause problems, especially if a driver is relying on it to stay under speed limits.
The risks of relying on inaccurate data
This mismatch in data poses a real risk to drivers. If you’re depending on Google Maps to monitor your speed, you could end up with a speeding ticket due to the incorrect information it provides. It’s important to note that Google itself warns users that the speedometer is “for informational purposes only” and recommends drivers rely on their vehicle’s built-in speedometer as the primary source of truth.
Google’s response and future updates
Beyond the speedometer, Google Maps has introduced several new features in recent updates, including incident reporting and an improved navigation system. However, Google has yet to address the issues with the speedometer. Drivers who encounter problems either restart the app each time it bugs out or switch to alternatives like Waze or Apple Maps.
The speedometer, while promising, still has a way to go before it’s a reliable tool for all drivers.
Conclusion: should you trust Google Maps’ speedometer?
While Google Maps’ speedometer is a useful tool in theory, its bugs and inaccuracies can cause more trouble than it’s worth. Until Google resolves these issues, drivers may want to stick with more reliable apps like Waze or simply use their vehicle’s built-in speedometer. With further updates, there’s hope that Google will address these problems, but for now, caution is advised when relying on this feature.
Fact check
- Google Maps introduced the speedometer feature in July.
- Users have reported the feature failing when receiving notifications or switching apps.
- Waze provides more accurate speed readings compared to Google Maps.
- Google warns that the speedometer is “for informational purposes only.”
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