Google Maps update introduces a handy shortcut to the 'Traffic Nearby' screen

Google has just pushed a new update for the Google Maps for Android app that allows users to quickly view real-time traffic information.

Version 9.39 of Google Maps for Android introduces a useful shortcut for viewing traffic information. Previously, users had to enter a destination or engage the ‘Driving Mode’ to view traffic information for their location. With the new update, the app now shows a ‘Traffic Nearby’ shortcut, which quickly directs users to the relevant screen.

This new feature makes a lot of sense for those who just want to poll the traffic information without setting a destination first. If you’re planning to go out for lunch, you may want to be aware of any potential traffic jams before picking a spot, which is exactly where the new feature comes in.

Users can also add a shortcut to the ‘Traffic Nearby’ feature on their home screen. To do this, you should open the widget library on your Android device and then place the corresponding 1x1 shortcut in any of your home screens.

At the moment, the new shortcut is only available for Android devices. Note that the update is rolling out in batches, so not everyone will see it available in the Play Store.

This new feature is just the latest in a series of updates designed to make Google Maps more useful for drivers. A few weeks ago, Google’s navigation app was updated with a range of advanced voice commands. Furthermore, through a previous update, users were also granted the ability to enter multiple stops for a single trip (a feature that was previously limited to the desktop version of Google Maps.