Not too long ago, last week, in fact, Google started sending out invites to Maps users who were local guides of level 2 or above for an upcoming app aimed at travelers. A the time, there was no information or specific details about what the application would do, but Google did mention that those who were interested and were eligible local guides could apply to be one of the early testers for the app before it hits the public. They also mentioned in the invites that the app, as well as the instructions on how to install it, would be sent out to local guides who were chosen to be part of the testing sometime this week.
Google’s new app for travelers appears to have been making the rounds today to local guides as leaked screenshots have just hit the web reportedly showing off different features as well as the user interface, and it’s essentially a smart assistant for your vacationing needs. It’s capable of organizing every detail about your trips and making suggestions on things from hotel stays to things to do while you’re there, and perhaps the most compelling and useful feature is the ability for users to view all of their trip information without an internet connection. International data can be expensive and local WiFi hotspots may not be readily available once you land or nearby where you’re staying, so the ability to view your trip details even without an internet connection should be extremely useful.
The app, currently being referred to as Google Trips, can show users top destinations to see during their trip so even if things weren’t planned out in terms of site seeing, the app can help to carry some of this load. To feed users suggestions that are pertinent to their trip, Google Trips analyzes travel information from Gmail, and wherever needed users can also add their own travel information using the floating action button at the bottom of the screen, complete with options to add details. Google Trips displays relevant functions in thumbnail sized images which are split off into different categories like things to do, food and drink, reservations, saved places, getting around, and need to know, each with its own unique things to bring to the user experience to help make the trip the best it can be. Things to do, for example, can show users what popular things to do that may be at their destination whether indoors or outdoors, and there’s even a persnolized tab labeled “for you” which has suggestions based on personal information. Right now there’s currently no information when Google plans to launch the app to the public as it just entered the testing phase.
