Google has released a new feature that makes getting directions to new places less of a hassle for users who are in a rush.

The feature is neat and simple. It works by sending directions from a desktop computer straight to an Android phone, making it useful for people who work the typical 9-to-5 job at the office and rush out after hours to a business before it closes, or for those who need to get to a meeting but don't know how to get there.

To use this feature, users simply go to Google on their desktop and type "send directions." They will then need to type the name of the business or the location they want to go to, such as "FedEx, Main Street, Boston." Google will also display location options, and users can simply choose from that. Next, they will need to choose the Android device to send directions to, but if there is only one Android device registered with their Google account, users can skip this step.

That's it. Google will then send the directions to the user's Android phone as a notification, which will open up directly in their Maps app. Some users have noted that the new feature also works with other navigation apps, such as Nokia's HERE Drive and Waze.

The new feature was announced via Google's own Google+ page:

"Every minute after you clock out of the office counts," said Google. "Next time you run errands after work, push directions from your computer to your Android phone and have them ready in hand as you head out the door."

This is not the only way for users to transfer directions from desktop to Android devices. Another way to do this is to use Google's Chrome to Phone browser extension, which sends addresses to Maps, phone numbers to the dialer, and links to the phone's Chrome browser in one click, although a few users say the extension is quite buggy. Another option is to use Pushbullet, a premium Android app that can do the same thing, although more seamlessly than Chrome to Phone.

Google Now can also help users with directions by simply saying "Ok Google, navigate to..." If search history for desktop and Android are turned on, and for most people it is turned on, Google will also automatically deliver directions to Google Now. For instance, if a user searches for directions to "FedEx, Main Street, Boston" on Google, Google Now will display a card with directions to that location the next time the user opens the launcher, although it doesn't always happen.

While the new feature is a cool way to get directions easily, it's not the only way. It's nice to have a lot of options, though.

ⓒ 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join the Discussion