Google updates Maps for iOS with Travel Times widget, Philips teases new Hue control app

Posted:
in iPhone
Google has updated the iOS version of Google Maps with several new features, including a new Notification Center widget for commuters, while Philips is hinting at an imminent update of its official control app for Hue smartbulbs.




The Google Maps Travel Times widget displays live calculations for trips to or from work, so long as one or both of those addresses are already saved in the app's Settings menu. People can toggle between driving or public transit to see the difference with each, and tapping on a destination will begin navigation there from a user's current location.

The app now also includes easier options for sharing directions with contacts, and new Settings toggles for adjusting Night Mode and distance units in navigation. Night Mode for example can be forced on or off, or left to change automatically come sunrise or sunset, as usual.

Google Maps is a free download for any device running iOS 7 or later, though accurate navigation and Travel Times require an iPhone or iPad with GPS.

Philips Hue






Philips has quietly renamed its existing Hue app to "Hue gen 1," and changed the icon to gray. This is in preparation for a second-generation Hue app coming this spring, the company said in release notes, without explaining its planned changes.

This is presumably tied to the launch of the Hue White Ambiance, also due this season. The bulb will offer a range of warm and cool whites, striking a balance between Philips' basic white bulbs and its top-end color-changing models. In announcing the product this March, the company promised an app update that would introduce "routines" for different activities, like waking up in the morning or going to sleep at night.

The Gen 1 app should remain in the App Store, but for how long has not been said.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    boltsfan17boltsfan17 Posts: 2,294member
    I wish Philips would focus on fixing the annoying HomeKit bug that says "Another user already paired the HomeKit enabled bridge" when you are trying to set up Siri control. The only way to fix it is by using the Philips Hue API, which most people probably have no idea on how to use it. 
  • Reply 2 of 4
    Thanks but no thanks Google Maps.  I have Apple Maps.

    I don't have Hue lights but maybe someday.
    cali
  • Reply 3 of 4
    calicali Posts: 3,494member
    Thanks but no thanks Google Maps.  I have Apple Maps.

    I don't have Hue lights but maybe someday.
    Hope Apple improves it more along with Siri.

    On another note I've been seeing uber cars with cameras lately, not sure if they're making their own mapping service but it could be a huge competitor for Apple.
  • Reply 4 of 4
    irelandireland Posts: 17,798member
    Any smart bulbs with a hub are an irrelevant joke to me.
Sign In or Register to comment.