Google Maps for Android has introduced a new feature called Bluetooth tunnel beacons to improve navigation accuracy in tunnels, solving a common problem faced by navigation apps.
Bluetooth tunnel beacons use strategically placed Bluetooth signals to enhance location accuracy in tunnels, a technology already used by Waze in select cities. Regular users of navigation apps depend on the presented information being accurate, so providing precise location data and real-time events inside tunnels is important for driver safety.
Bluetooth tunnel beacon feature can be enabled in Google Maps settings under “Driving Options” and is currently only available for Android users. Users have to grant Maps permission to find and connect to nearby devices when enabling the feature.
The feature first started appearing in October but is only now becoming widely available. It is not yet available on iOS. The Bluetooth navigation option is one of many recent additions to Google Maps, along with an immersive view and suggesting charging stops for EV drivers.
