Google Maps adds real-time updates for venues

As the holiday season is ebbing nearer, frantic shopping in busy town centres and cities is imminent. Google knows all about this, and so, have announced the expansion of their popular times feature within Google Maps. The app will now tell you how busy, or slow the queues are, in any specific venue.

“[We have] added a real-time look at how crowded a place is right now, to help you decide where and when to go,” said Google.

The original feature was released in July 2015, and was quickly followed by the addition of how long people stay within that particular venue, bar or shop. This new view lets you know this information when you need it, which is important over the Christmas period – after all, nobody wants to be shoved out onto the street to drink their pint!

Retail hours will also be adjusted in accordance with the season – so late night shopping and extended hours should all be available with one easy swipe of a finger!