Google Maps update adds new wheelchair-friendly feature - here’s how to get it
New ‘Accessible Places’ feature and special accommodation info for Covid-19 responders
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A newGoogle Mapsupdate is bringing a feature to aid those in wheelchairs, as it will now list accessible places within the app.
Available starting from May 21, 2020 and rolling out gradually, the new “Accessible Places” feature will be an option users will be able to turn on, “to have wheelchair accessibility information more prominently displayed in search results and in Google Maps.”
The update arrives in line withGlobal Accessibility Awareness Day, which aims “to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.”
If you opt to turn Accessible Places on, wheelchair accessible locations with be highlight by a wheelchair icon.
At launch, the new Accessible Places feature on Google Maps has accessibility information for more than 14 million places around the world.
How to get ‘Accessible Places’ on Google Maps
Initially, Accessible Places for Google Maps is gradually rolling out for users in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States from May 21. Google says support for more countries is on the way, but hasn’t provide a timeline or any further details.
To get wheelchair accessibility information more prominently displayed in Google Maps, follow these steps:
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Accommodation for Covid-19 responders
Google has added another new feature to Maps and Search, with key and essential workers now able to search for safe, discounted accommodation in the US and UK.
It means these workers can easily find hotels with special policies for Covid-19 responders – like free or discounted rooms.
Typing in “hotels for essential workers in New York” for example, or simply “hotels in New York” will now bring up a new filter option (“Covid-19 responder rooms”), allowing you to narrow the results.
John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He’s interviewed CEOs from some of the world’s biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar’s resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.
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