As usual, Google had a busy week.
A couple of quick updates from them included an announcement to improve Google Maps, particularly around curbside pickup and delivery options. Obviously, the pandemic forced their hand in this regard.
They also announced improvements in indoor-live view navigation (including in airports) and air-quality data as well as eco-friendly driving directions.
The airport live view will allow you to guide yourself through without needing to rely on signs – then again, it feels like it will be a long time before most of us can avail ourselves of this feature … sob, sob.
It will begin to increase these features relating to pick up and delivery in the US with a few stores, and soon will include pickup and delivery windows on mobile Search along with fees and order minimums.
It will soon add these features to Maps. It is currently testing how to include curbside pickup so you can communicate to the shop which parking spot you’re parked in.
Once you place an order for pickup on the store’s app you can then add this to Maps so Google can send you a notification letting you know when to leave.
Then, upon arrival you can just notify the restaurant or store on their app and they will bring it out.
All of this improves people’s ability to do contactless pick-ups.