The best way to allow Google Maps Bluetooth tunnel...

GPS navigation has essentially modified the best way we commute and transfer around the globe. Principally gone are the times when paper maps have been must-haves to seek out your approach round on a highway journey. Now, you may merely activate Google Maps and get the place you’ll want to go.

Nonetheless, even with all of the perks of GPS, the tech nonetheless has its shortcomings. It really works nice whenever you’re under an open sky, however go someplace with a extra obscured view of the solar — an underground tunnel or downtown core, for instance — and you may shortly see your telephone lose connection to the satellites pinpointing your location.

1:01

Associated

What is Google Maps AR navigation and Live View and how do you use it?

Get a greater view of the place you are going.

It may not be that large of a deal when you already know the place you are going, or if there’s just one highway forward, however when you encounter forks, layered overpasses, or conflicting exits — you could be in a little bit of bother.

With its newest navigation characteristic, Google is attempting to assist customers discover their approach even in tunnels, guaranteeing they by no means get misplaced. This is how the brand new characteristic works, and the way you should use it in your subsequent journey.

How does tunnel navigation work in Google Maps?

Tunnel navigation may appear area of interest, however it could possibly show to be extraordinarily helpful when you’re new to a metropolis and all of a sudden end up misplaced underground. Shedding GPS sign in some conditions could be annoying and even worrying, so having the software enabled can take a load off your thoughts and provide help to get the place you’ll want to go sooner.

You would possibly suppose that such a know-how could be troublesome to work out. In spite of everything, a GPS sign is definitely misplaced underground. Thankfully, tunnel navigation makes use of a intelligent workaround that permits your telephone to attach with a satellite tv for pc with out, not less than technically, being in direct vary of 1.

Waze was one of many first to introduce tunnel navigation in 2016, and because the firm is owned by Google, it was solely a matter of time earlier than the characteristic made its solution to Maps. At the beginning of 2024, the search large rolled out the characteristic to Android customers.

As satellite tv for pc alerts cannot journey underground or move by means of concrete, Google had to consider a novel solution to transmit GPS info. The corporate ultimately settled on specialised, battery-powered Bluetooth gadgets referred to as Waze beacons. When a tunnel is supplied with them, the beacons on the entrance seize GPS info from overhead satellites and relay that information to the beacons additional into the tunnel, primarily offering GPS protection the place the know-how would not usually be accessible. Then, your telephone can connect with these beacons and entry GPS info as if it was coming from a daily satellite tv for pc.

Will tunnel navigation work in each tunnel?

Sadly, as a result of tunnel navigation depends upon Bluetooth beacons, Google can’t assure the characteristic will work in each tunnel — not less than not but. For now, it is restricted to some areas. You should utilize it in cities corresponding to Paris, New York, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro.

Associated

How to set up and use an Android Auto wireless adapter in your car

Android Auto wi-fi adapters permit Android telephones to connect with a automobile’s system with out the necessity for a cable. This is the right way to arrange and use them.

With time, this tech is bound to proliferate, so you may make sure that protection will increase.

The best way to allow tunnel navigation in Google Maps?

As I discussed earlier than, though tunnel navigation has been current on Waze since 2016, it is a utterly new characteristic for Google Maps customers. The flexibility to make use of location providers in tunnels first appeared in Google’s navigation app in Oct. 2023 as a restricted check earlier than the corporate started rolling out the characteristic globally in Jan. 2024. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless some limitations to availability.

Firstly, tunnel navigation is barely accessible on Android gadgets. So when you’ve got an iPhone, you are out of luck. Google has but to share details about an iOS launch, so Apple customers will should be affected person.

In case you’re not seeing tunnel navigation in your Android gadget, it’s possible you’ll have to replace Google Maps. The characteristic solely seems within the latest construct of the app.

When you’re operating the most recent model of Maps, here is the right way to allow tunnel navigation:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Faucet your profile image within the prime proper nook.
3. Choose Settings.
4. Faucet Navigation settings.
5. Scroll down to seek out the Driving choices menu.
6. Faucet the Bluetooth tunnel beacons toggle to allow the characteristic.

As soon as it is turned on, your telephone will mechanically connect with accessible

Bluetooth beacons
and proceed utilizing GPS even within the longest tunnels.