NurPhoto/Getty
- Google Maps launched updates to help last-minute shoppers avoid the lines and find nearby products.
- The new "Products Nearby" tab allows users to search in Maps for nearby in-stock items.
- There are also some updates for EV owners and people hauling trailers or Christmas trees to avoid routes with low bridges.
If you're a last-minute shopper, Google Maps has you covered this holiday season.
If you're someone who saves your shopping until the very end, you can now search for products in Google Maps to find nearby stores that have them in stock.
For example, if you're looking for handbags, you can search "handbags" in Google Maps and see results for any stores that have them available in your area.
When you scroll down a bit, you'll find the new "Products Nearby" tab which has relevant in-stock items that you can swipe through and select if you're interested in seeing more detail.
The feature adds in-store inventory information from retailers and highlights it on the Google Maps app. Basically, it's a nice way to browse through what's available and save some time scrambling on individual store websites and selecting your home store location.
The updates to Maps also include a change designed to make it easier to arrive on time. You can report delays and check whether transit lines are impacted. It also offers clearly marked entrances to subway stations and alternate route options available on the map.
Other updates include the ability for trailer drivers with Google built-in to their vehicles to add their dimensions to tailor their route to avoid low bridges and tunnels. Google Maps also added an update for EVs that allows drivers to plan trips on the phone and send routes with charging stops to their vehicle's Google app. If drivers don't know their exact charging type, they can add their vehicle's model and it will show compatible stations.
The new Google Maps updates come just a couple of weeks after the platform got an AI overhaul with integrated Gemini features. Google also recently transformed its Shopping platform with personalized recommendations, AI Overviews-like product briefings, and a Deals section.