In a recent blog, Google has announced that they are expanding their Local Guides feature to a new level. Notably, now ‘Community Updates’ feature has been added to Google Maps. This feature will roll out for all the users globally. Google Maps is the go-to navigation application for smartphone users, especially Android users. And this feature will allow users to follow someone who they find helpful to get recommendations about places around them.
The official post reads, “Today we’re expanding this feature and beginning to roll it out globally. If a Google Maps user has shared photos, reviews, or lists publicly, you can now follow them and get their recommendations, advice, and updates delivered to your Updates tab in Google Maps. So the next time you find someone sharing helpful photos of takeout menus, handy lists of your city’s most spacious parks or inspiring photos of local shops and services, you can keep up-to-date on all of their recommendations.”
Community updates will be delivered in the Updates tab of Google Maps
Apparently, this Community Update extends the pilot feature which Google introduced almost a year back. This allowed people to follow users who are regularly contributing their knowledge of any place or area. They were termed as Local Guides. Moreover, these local guides shared information like best dishes around, park opening and closing hours, best places to visit, etc. Additionally, users started following popular local guides in order to get recommendations and helpful information.
Furthermore, Google will also add a ‘Topic Filter’ feature. Distinctly, this will appear on the Google Maps Profiles. Besides, this will allow users to see topics that people and other users share about the most.
“There will also be new topic filters on Google Maps profiles, so you can see the topics and places people share about the most, like pizza, brunch, camping, and parks. Whether they’re a coffee enthusiast documenting every last latte, or a hometown expert reviewing all things Perth or Phoenix, you can follow other Google Maps users with public profiles to get helpful recommendations about the places around you,” added Group Product Manager, Google Maps, Amanda Leicht Moore in the official post.
Well, personal data is the most important asset of any user. And to control the digital footprint, Google is including settings to easily manage Google user profiles. Besides, eligible users who wish to be followed can go through a simple process and can make their profile restricted. With a restricted profile, you can easily manage you can follow you and you cannot.