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The Augmented Reality is reaching more and more corners to try to make our lives easier. It is a technology that mixes the real environment with virtual elements on a screen. Something that could be used for things as fun as seeing Pokémon in our real streets, but also for practical things like seeing indications of where to go at the next intersection. And this is what Google Maps now does.
Actually, the Live View function was present since the arrival of the Google Pixel 3a.A mid-range mobile with all the company's services, some as advanced as the new augmented reality function of Google Maps. Now it seems that this feature is beginning to be seen on other mobiles. It has appeared to us on a Huawei P20 Pro, and this is how it may appear to you too to use Live View
Step by Step
Keep the Google Maps application updated to its latest version. To do this, go to the Google Play Store if you have an Android mobile. Here you can download any pending updates that trigger this feature. In any case, Google usually rolls out its features in stages. So don't despair if you see that Live View does not appear on your mobile. It will come sooner or later. At the moment it is a beta or test version, so it is normal that it is not available to all users.
Once this is done, enter Google Maps and search for any address. Use the top bar to write the name of a street, a store, or any reference that serves to locate a destination in the application.
Then press the button How to get there so that Google Maps will show you step by step how to reach your destination. But in this case we are not interested in the classic guide on the map. If you have Live View turned on, Live View will appear at the bottom of the screen, next to the Start button and the list of steps and turns.
The first time you click on Live View you will be asked to activate permissions to use the terminal's camera. There is also a small tutorial to know how this Augmented Reality feature works. Once all this has been seen, we can start using it.
Using Live View
When you activate Live View, you will have to hold your phone up to be able to focus on the street and buildings around you. In fact, Google Maps will ask you to scan the buildings and signs in front of you in order to locate yourself.In this way, and thanks to GPS, you will be able to see a minimap at the bottom of the screen, while the indications are shown directly on the street, with Reality Augmented.
Note that the mobile detects if you place it flat on a table or a flat surface. So if you stop holding it vertically, you'll switch to the classic view of the map. And vice versa. Very handy for switching between normal view and Live View function
When you use Live View you just have to follow the instructions on the screen. If you go down the street and Google Maps has correctly recognized the environment, you will be able to see at what height is the next turn Or have all the references you need to locate yourself at across the screen.
Of course, keep in mind that this function is prepared only for walking. Also, this is a beta or testing feature, so be careful when using it as a reference: might not be entirely reliable The good thing is that you can always use Google Maps as usual just by taking your focus off the street.
