Google Maps turns 15, with new logo; Sundar Pichai thanks app for sourcing 'veggie burrito'!
What started as Google Earth in 2005, is now the most commonly used navigation app.
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
To celebrate the occasion, Sundar Pichai sent out a tweet.
Out of all GPS trackers at our disposal, Google Maps, is perhaps not only the most commonly used but also the most reliable. Be it a visit to a nearby supermarket or a full-fledged road trip, Google Maps is that reliable friend that never leaves our side.
To mark the momentous occasion of the 15th anniversary of Google Maps, the app is getting a redesigned icon. The old logo which was essentially an animated map with a location pin is now gone. The new icon is a location pin in Google Maps’s signature blue, red, yellow and green colours.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai sent out a tweet lauding the app for always helping him find veggie burritos, no matter where he is. The CEO also wrote a blog, reflecting on ways Google Maps made his commute easier.
Happy 15th Birthday @GoogleMaps! Reflecting today on some of the ways it’s been helpful to me, from getting around… https://t.co/TC5JrtpT3Y
The Indian origin tech CEO began his blog, talking about his love for burritos. "Burritos are one of the things that help me feel normal when jet lagged between time zones. Finding one is easy when I’m in places like Dallas. It’s not always as simple when I’m in a city like Helsinki, or when I’m travelling with people who have food allergies," wrote Pichai.
The 47-year-old shared that he had made a list of his favourite burrito places on Google Maps. "We want to continue getting these “burrito” moments right for all our users, whatever that means for you.," wrote the CEO.
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Pichai also shared future plans for the app. He aims to get a digital address for people who do not have a physical one. This address will be based on latitude and longitude coordinates. This will help people receive personal mail, deliveries and emergency services.
The Google CEO harbours intense love for veggie burritos. "Wishing Google Maps a very happy 15th birthday—I may have a burrito to celebrate!", concluded Pichai.
What’s more? To celebrate the occasion, new tabs have also been added to Google Maps. The app, which earlier had only ‘explore’ and ‘commute’ tabs has a total of five tabs - explore, commute, saved, contribute and updates.
The ‘explore’ tab allows users to explore various places around them like restaurants, cafes, popular tourist attractions, etc. It also offers information like reviews and ratings about these places.
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The ‘commute’ tab gives users information about the shortest and most efficient route available. Whether you are travelling by bus or a car, the app will give you regular updates about the time required, traffic situation and suggestions for alternate routes.
The ‘update’ tab allows users to chat with businesses and know all about the must-see spots around them.
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The ‘saved’ tab allows users to save places they have visited on the app and give recommendations for the same.
The ‘contribute’ tab allows users to provide information about places such as restaurants, roads or any particular place. This information is then shared with users in need.
The ‘update’ tab allows users to chat with businesses and know all about the must-see spots around them.
According to a report in The Verge, several new features are expected to be introduced on Google Maps. One of them is the augmented-reality Live View feature, which comes in a lightweight mode that will simply show the location of your destination without launching into the full-fledged 3D turn-by-turn navigation mode.
Here’s wishing our favourite navigation app a very happy birthday.
Meet Google's New Hardware Family: Pixel 4 & 4 XL, Nest Mini & Wifi, Pixelbook Go, Pixel Buds & Stadia
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Tech enthusiasts, rejoice! The much-awaited and anticipated ‘Made By Google’ event, held in New York City, gave the world of tech a lot to talk about in the days to come. If the social media reactions are to be believed, the event managed to live up to the hype and expectations.
The products launched by Google - Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Pixel Buds 2, Google Nest Mini and Pixelbook 2 - generated a lot of buzz online. If you happened to miss the event, fret not! We have made a compilation of all the major announcements that happened at the event to keep you in the loop. Read on, and get yourself up to date.
Tech enthusiasts, rejoice! The much-awaited and anticipated ‘Made By Google’ event, held in New York City, gave the world of tech a lot to talk about in the days to come. If the social media reacti..
Read More
With Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Google took the phone-interaction experience a notch higher. The tech company claimed that these devices have the fastest face unlock feature, and is the first smartphone to have a radar sensor. The motion sensor detects the proximity of the user, and reacts accordingly.
It has a 12MP + 16MP dual rear camera and a 8MP front camera which comes with the computational photography feature. The camera has a Live HDR+ capability which allows it to capture extremely bright or dark images. What’s more? Night Sight feature allows us to take magnificent pictures and dusk shots.
While it was not announced during the launch, TOI reported that Pixel 4 XL was unveiled as well. It comes with a 6.3-inch OLED screen. The Pixel 4 has a 2800 mAh battery, while the bigger sibling is backed by a 3700 mAh. Both are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and 6GB RAM. Both will be available in 64GB and 128GB variants.
Pixel 4 comes in 3 colours - Just Black, Clearly White and a limited edition Oh-So-Orange. Both available for pre-order starting today.
With Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Google took the phone-interaction experience a notch higher. The tech company claimed that these devices have the fastest face unlock feature, and is the first smartphone to ..
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The new Pixelbook Go has state-of-the-art design. It is made up of light magnesium which gives it a smooth matte finish. The device has a rippled, wavy bottom which makes the laptop easier to hold. Google is offering a 15% larger battery so users can spend longer hours away from the charging point. Pixelbook Go is available only in Black, and the Pink colour-variant will be available soon.
The new Pixelbook Go has state-of-the-art design. It is made up of light magnesium which gives it a smooth matte finish. The device has a rippled, wavy bottom which makes the laptop easier to hold...
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The next generation Google Nest Mini is made up of 100% recycled plastic bottles, of course, without any compromise on the aesthetics and functions. It comes in pastel colours, including the new Sky Blue which helps it blend into the home decor easily. It comes with a third microphone so rest assured, you will be heard even in noisy environments.
It has a dedicated machine learning chip, and a home intercom, home alert system and a home phone, which allows you to call anyone in the world with Google Duo. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
The next generation Google Nest Mini is made up of 100% recycled plastic bottles, of course, without any compromise on the aesthetics and functions. It comes in pastel colours, including the new Sk..
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The Nest WiFi is a standalone router which, much like Nest Mini, is available in different colours. The Nest router plugs into the modem and expands the WiFi coverage at home. It increases the speed two times and provides 25% more coverage. Now that’s one helluva upgrade to Google WiFi!
The Nest WiFi is a standalone router which, much like Nest Mini, is available in different colours. The Nest router plugs into the modem and expands the WiFi coverage at home. It increases the spee..
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Ambient technology or technology that fades into background was a major theme at the Google event. As a result, the second-generation Google Pixel Buds has gone completely wireless. They are like ‘floating computers’ in your ear, as Google termed it at the event. They are powered by long-range, bluetooth technology that allows the earbuds to stay connected to your phone as long as three bedrooms away.
The best part about the buds is that they provide a hands-free access to the Google assistant. Google has also worked on its battery life. The buds provide 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, and makes good use of on-device machine learning chips. Pixel Buds 2 will be available next year in spring.
Ambient technology or technology that fades into background was a major theme at the Google event. As a result, the second-generation Google Pixel Buds has gone completely wireless. They are like ‘..
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Google introduced all the gamers to its cloud generation gaming platform, Stadia, that will launch on November 19. The platform will allow users to play games wherever they want. As a part of Google's go green initiative this year, gamers require on only a controller and screen which will minimise the hardware usage while playing.
Google introduced all the gamers to its cloud generation gaming platform, Stadia, that will launch on November 19. The platform will allow users to play games wherever they want. As a part of Googl..
Google Maps gets Gemini-powered 'Ask Maps' feature that answers real-world questions2026-03-12T14:26:03Z
