Google Maps iOS and Android apps now feature Waze data on accidents

A nifty update is here for those who use the Google Maps application on their Android and iOS devices. Brian McClendon, VP, Google Maps, has confirmed in a post that the teams at Google Maps and Waze have joined hands to make it simpler for users of both platforms to navigate through their life. 

For those unfamiliar, Waze is essentially a GPS-based real-time service that provides turn-by-turn navigation. It relies on crowdsourced route details, including information about traffic, accidents and more. Now when Waze users report about accidents, road closures, constructions, et al on the platform, Google Maps will feature that data, enabling users to make better decisions pertaining to their travel. This ability is being rolled out for Google Maps Android and iOS app users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, UK and the US.

A screenshot of the Waze app

Two new updates have been introduced to the Waze Android and iOS apps too, first being support for Google Search. Once they’ve updated their applications, Waze users will have access to additional search results when navigating. The Waze Map Editor, following a successful beta test, now features Google Street View and satellite imagery, so as to make it simpler for them to correct map errors reported by the community.   

Google recently revealed that it shelled out a whopping $966 million to purchase Israeli mapping start-up Waze. The search giant had finalised the deal to buy Waze in June and the price amount being speculated during the time was in the vicinity of $1 billion. 

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YouTube for iOS updated with picture-in-picture feature

After updating its app for Android devices, YouTube has rolled out an update yesterday for its iOS users too.

The updated YouTube app for iOS devices allows users to continue exploring videos throughout even as they continue to watch a video. With a swipe of a finger, users can move the video to the bottom of their screen if they want to explore videos at the same time. They can always go back to viewing the video in full screen by swiping up. To dismiss the video, swipe right or left. 

Screenshots of the updated app

Once they’ve updated the app, users can search and browse channels for playlists, and also watch back-to-back videos. Google has also introduced nifty tweaks to the existing Cast button on the YouTube app. The functionality allows users to send YouTube videos from their phone or tablet to their connected TV, and now they’ll be able to view a preview screen when their devices are connected. Users can select a video and opt to queue up the video to watch it next. 

The updated YouTube iOS app is up for grabs on the App Store. This app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad devices. To be able to use this app, users will require devices running iOS 6.0 or later. This app is optimised for iPhone 5. 

The YouTube Android app was updated to include a whole bunch of new features including a refreshed UI. The application now features the new card-based UI that lends it a more slick appeal. Users can open the guide from anywhere in the app if they want to quickly view their subscriptions and feeds. Just tap on the sideways arrow at the top of the app at any time.

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