The latest update for Google Maps for Android users integrates a user’s Google Calendar directly into Maps, allowing users to see their upcoming meeting and appointment locations without the need to jump between apps.

Here’s a look at the latest update, together with Google’s voice commands that are available when navigating on Google Maps. We also look at other Google Map features to help you get to your destination faster.

Get started with the Google Calendar integration

The update for the Android version of Google Maps has rolled out, so ensure you update your app to the latest version.

To have your events appear on your Google Map, you will need to ensure you are logged into both Google Maps and Google Calendar. When you create an event, ensure you enter an address into the “Where” box. The Calendar event’s location will display on the map the next time you open Google Maps.

See your upcoming events

Google has also introduced a new “Upcoming” tab that will provide you with a list of all your upcoming events.

In Google Maps, open the sidebar menu > tap Your Places > tap the Upcoming tab for a list of events. If you don’t want a specific event to display on your map, simply tap the Dismiss button.

In the “Upcoming” tab you will also be able to see details about your upcoming flights, hotel or restaurant reservations from Gmail.

Google Maps voice commands

Last week, Google also introduced the ability to use voice commands when navigating in Google Maps on Android.

To get started using voice commands, make sure you have the latest version of Google Maps and Google app installed on your Android device.

In the Google app, tap the Menu icon > Settings > Voice > “Ok Google” detection > make sure the “While driving” setting is toggled to On.

Now when you are in navigation or driving mode in Google Maps, you can simply say “Ok Google” followed by your voice command.

Examples of commands include “Ok Google, find gas stations,” “What’s my next turn?,” “Show / Hide traffic,” or “Show alternate routes.”

Save time navigating in Google Maps

To ensure you save time when heading to your next destination, make sure you make use of these existing Google Maps features.

Save your home and work address

In Google Maps, open the side menu > Your places > under the Labeled tab, tap Home or Work and set an address. Now when you navigate to work or home you can simply select the relevant one rather than typing in the address each time.

Tip: You can also give your home or work address a specific emoticon. In Google Maps, open the relevant address, tap Add icon.

You can also add frequently visited places to Google Maps, to save time when you have to navigate to them. Open Google Maps > search for the address > tap the label button > enter a name. Next time you can search for the name, your labeled address will display as one of the results.

Navigate to your contacts in Google Maps

As long as you have loaded an address for a Google contact you can easily navigate to their house or office by simply searching for their name in Google Maps.

You can manage what information appears in Google Maps by opening the side menu > Settings > Personal content. You can toggle On or Off whether you want Google Maps to display your Upcoming events, Google Contacts or Labels.

Source: Google

Main image credit: Don DeBold; Flickr | GIF via Google