Newsletter
“I’m losing you. You’re breaking up, I think I’m going through a tunnel!” We’re all used to using going through a tunnel as an excuse just to hang up on an annoying phone call. However, going through tunnels can actually be a nightmare if you’re using GPS navigation. Well, thanks to a new update, Google Maps will be able to better navigate tunnels.
The accuracy of GPS navigation takes a massive hit once you head underground. Whatever system you’re using could completely lose track of you and give you very wonky directions once you’re out of the tunnel. This, aside from being very frustrating, is also a safety hazard. Any innovation that can help with this issue is appreciated.
Google Maps can now navigate you through tunnels
This functionality isn’t exactly new, as Google-owned Wyze can also do it. According to a new report, Google Maps now employs Bluetooth beacons to navigate you through tunnels. The Bluetooth beacons are stationary devices inside of the tunnels. Your phone will communicate with them and use your phone’s cellular data to communicate with Google Maps. This way, the app has a rough idea of where you are in the tunnel. We’re not sure exactly how accurate this is, but it’s much better than going completely black in a tunnel.
Right now, the feature is only available on the Android version of the app. In order to activate it, go to the Google Maps app and head to your Navigation Settings. At the bottom of the first section, you will see the Bluetooth tunnel beacons toggle. When you toggle this feature on, you’ll have to give the app access to find and connect to nearby devices.
This feature is great, but you will not be able to use it for every tunnel. You’ll only be able to use this feature in tunnels that have Bluetooth beacons installed. So, if you’re going through a tunnel without the beacons installed, you are going to be out of luck.
For the time being, Wyze is able to use Bluetooth speakers in cities such as Boston, Chicago, New York City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Brussels, Etc. It seems likely that these will also work for Google Maps. Hopefully, Bluetooth beacons will make it to more tunnels and more cities across the globe.