Apple has just announced that the Apple Maps feature is now available for web browsers. Currently, it was only available through an app for those who had a device from the company. You should know that Apple Maps for web browsers is in Beta phase, although the goal is to compete directly with Google Maps.
Google Maps is the most widely used app in the world for searching for restaurants, shops and various public spaces. It is also used as an assistant, to help you get from one point to another that you have never been to before.
One of the interesting aspects is that, if we start a journey, it informs us of the traffic density, if there are any roadworks, accidents and also radars. Apple wants to compete directly with this map service, although at the moment its tool is in Beta mode.
Apple Maps is now available from any browser
The way Apple Maps works, in general, is not very different from the same Google tool. The tool highlights, above all the elements, the most important points of a site, those that we should not miss. If you want to try this tool, you just have to click on this link.
It also shows other interesting points such as public spaces, parks, train stations, supermarkets and restaurants, among others. The closer we get, the more relevant spaces we see.
If we click on any space, we will see relevant information. It provides a brief description, opening hours, website, phone number and other relevant information such as whether it is wheelchair accessible, accepts payment cards and contactless services such as Google Pay or Apple Pay, and even if it is suitable for children and has free Wi-Fi.
Some Google Maps features are not available, such as writing reviews or uploading images. It collects reviews from Yelp and images from other external services. Apple Maps may enable these features in the future, although hopefully with greater controls than those carried out by Google, which sometimes only finds reviews or photos, which is a shame.
As for routes, this feature is still in its infancy. It only allows you to get from point A to point B by car or on foot, not offering public transport or bike options like Google Maps does. A problem, since it doesn’t simplify the process of managing your trip.
The Guides feature is particularly noteworthy, as it will allow us to discover the highlights of the places we want to visit. At the moment, this feature seems to be only available for large cities. New spaces will surely be added.
One feature that Apple should consider for its mapping service is Google Local Guides. Users who want them can sign up for this program to report changes, such as store closings or openings, etc. Additionally, users of this program receive points, making their reviews stand out.
You can access Apple Maps without any problems through this link on any browser, regardless of whether it is Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge. At the moment, it is only available in English, although the support page indicates that it will soon be available in other languages, without giving much more information.
