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Google can always know where we are, but it's not exactly the first name you think about travel and travel planning. With the launch of a handful of new tools in the coming weeks (Android users and iPhones get it first this week), the search giant is trying to change things.
The first is a new feature in Maps. As promised at IO last May, Google is finally rolling out group planning, giving users a simple way to create a list that can be shared, edited and voted without having to manage a constant stream of beeps and buzzes via text of group. Here's how it works:
When you search for a restaurant or place in Google Maps, you'll see the same list, with the same options. Normally, you tap the bookmark icon to create a new list or add something to an existing list, but that's not what you want to do to create a shortlist. Instead, you will long press the map until you feel a small vibration. This will start a selection list, visible via a circular icon on the left side of the screen (you can move it to one side or the other).
Once you have created your list, you can choose to share with as many people as you want. Tap the circle and then the sharing icon to send it to your friends, who will be able to save their selection via thumbs up, thumb voting. It works on any platform: Android, iOS, Mac or PC. You can not create more than one restricted list at a time, so be sure to send it before starting a new one.
Once your list is sent, it will disappear, but you can still access it via the link in Messages or in the application you used. As your friends vote or add their own selections (the latter only on iOS or Android), you receive activity notifications and you can respond by tapping as a normal Maps notification.
Last year, Google streamlined the search for hotels on phones to include price filtering, detailed information on amenities and the ability to book without leaving the search. Google will now present a new hotel location score that "sums up the hotel's neighborhood based on Google Maps information."
Google is also enhancing the Your Travels feature, which shows private Gmail results that you can access and share, as they were stored locally on your device. You can already see your future travel bookings from Gmail, but Google is now adding context. So, if you're looking for a destination for which you've already booked your hotel, you'll see flight prices, restaurants, weather, and events that match your travel dates. It will also collect search results for potential trips you have explored online, but has not been scheduled, in case you wish to continue searching.
Finally, Google will expand its flight price trend tracking system to include Christmas and the New Year, as well as Thanksgiving.
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