Tag: Tips and Tricks

Summer Apple Pips (Part 3 of 3)

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Following in from the last 2 weeks, here are 10 more (final) top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Shift Your Keyboard Left or Right for One-Handed Typing 

If you often find yourself needing to type with one hand, especially while multitasking or on the move, your iPhone has a feature that allows you to adjust the keyboard layout for more comfortable one-handed use. By holding down the globe or emoji icon located at the bottom of the keyboard, you can easily select a left- or right-leaning keyboard. This makes it simpler to reach all the keys with just one thumb. However, note that this feature is only available in portrait mode and may not work if you have enabled “Larger Text” under Settings > Display & Brightness.

2. Pin Essential Conversations in the Messages App 

For business professionals juggling multiple conversations, keeping important threads at the forefront can significantly enhance efficiency. The Messages app on your iPhone allows you to pin critical conversations to the top of your chat list, making them easily accessible. This is especially beneficial when you need to frequently reference discussions with clients, colleagues, or team members. To pin a conversation, simply swipe right on the desired thread and tap the pin icon that appears. This ensures that key conversations remain visible and are not buried under less important messages, helping you stay organised and responsive in your business communications.

3. Use Safari’s Reader Mode for Distraction-Free Reading 

In a world filled with digital distractions, it can be challenging to focus on reading online content. Safari’s Reader Mode is an excellent tool for anyone who prefers a cleaner, more focused reading experience. By stripping away unnecessary elements like ads, buttons and other on-screen distractions, Reader Mode presents only the text and essential images of a web page. To activate this mode, simply tap the “AA” icon in the address bar while viewing a page in Safari and select “Show Reader View.” This is particularly beneficial for lengthy articles or research, allowing you to immerse yourself in the content without interruptions.

4. Swipe to Delete Calculator Entry Mistakes 

The iPhone’s built-in calculator is a handy tool for quick calculations, but errors can happen, especially when dealing with complex numbers. If you accidentally input the wrong digit, there’s no need to start over. Simply swipe left or right on the calculator’s display to delete the last number you entered. This feature is a real time-saver, particularly when performing detailed calculations that require accuracy.

5. Use Volume Buttons as Shutter Buttons 

When you’re trying to capture the perfect photo, especially in situations where stability is key, relying on the on-screen shutter button can sometimes cause the camera to shake. Instead, you can use the volume buttons on your iPhone as a shutter button, which often provides a steadier hand. This trick also works with wired earbuds that have volume controls, giving you even more flexibility to capture the shot exactly as you want it.

6. Use the Files App for Organised Document Management 

For those juggling multiple documents across different cloud services and local storage, the iPhone’s Files app is an invaluable tool. It acts as a central hub, allowing you to access, manage, and organize files from iCloud, local storage, and even third-party cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. You can easily create folders, move files between locations, and share documents with colleagues, all from within the app. This feature helps keep your business documents organized and accessible, no matter where you are.

7. Customise Good Vibrations for Contacts 

If you frequently have your iPhone on vibrate mode, you might miss important calls or messages because the vibrations all feel the same. However, you can customise the vibration pattern for specific contacts, so you know who’s reaching out without even looking at your phone! Go to a contact’s settings, tap on Ringtone or Text Tone, and choose from the available vibration patterns or create a unique one. This way, you’ll immediately know if it’s a client, colleague or family member trying to get in touch.

8. Create SOS Contacts for Emergency Situations 

In case of an emergency, having your critical contacts set up as SOS contacts can make a significant difference. Through the Health app, you can designate specific individuals as emergency contacts. To do this, tap on your profile in the Health app, select Medical ID > Edit > Emergency Contacts, and add the people you want notified in an emergency. When you activate the Emergency SOS feature on your iPhone, these contacts will be automatically alerted, along with your current location, which is crucial in times of need.

9. Use Guided Access for Focused Work 

Guided Access is a lesser-known but powerful feature for those who need to focus on a single task without distractions. This tool locks your iPhone into a single app, preventing you from switching to other apps until you disable it. It’s particularly useful for business presentations, reading documents, or any situation where you need to stay focused. To activate it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access, and then triple-click the side button when you want to use it. This feature helps maintain your attention on the task at hand, eliminating the temptation of multitasking.

10. Set Up VIP Email Alerts for Critical Communication 

In business, ensuring that you never miss an important email is crucial. The Mail app on your iPhone offers a VIP feature that allows you to set up custom alerts for emails from specific senders. By adding key contacts, such as clients or executives, to your VIP list, you’ll receive specialised notifications whenever they send you an email, even if your inbox is overflowing. To set this up, open the Mail app, navigate to the VIP section, and add the contacts you want to prioritise. You can further customise the notification settings by going to Settings > Notifications > Mail > VIP. This tailored alert system ensures that important emails get your attention immediately, helping you maintain prompt and effective communication.

These last 10 in our three-week series of top iPhone tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks.

Summer Android Tips – Part 2

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this second of our two articles on the subject, we’ve gathered together 10 more top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Google Lens for Text Recognition

Quickly capture and digitise text from documents, business cards or signs using Google Lens, saving time on manual data entry.

Open the Google Lens app or tap the Lens icon in the Google Photos or Camera app. Point your camera at the text you want to capture, then tap on the text to select it. You can copy the text to your clipboard, translate it, or search it directly online.

2. Customise Do Not Disturb Mode

Manage interruptions during important meetings or work hours by customising the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to allow only essential notifications.

Go to “Settings,” select “Sound” or “Notifications,” then tap on “Do Not Disturb.” You can set schedules for when Do Not Disturb should activate, choose which contacts can bypass the mode, and allow or block certain apps’ notifications. This ensures you’re only disturbed by critical alerts.

3. Use File Sharing with Nearby Share

Quickly and securely share files, links, and other data between Android devices without needing a third-party app.

Open the file you want to share, then tap the share icon and select “Nearby Share.” Ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Location enabled. The receiving device will see a prompt to accept the file, and the transfer will begin. Nearby Share works even when devices aren’t connected to the internet.

4. Set Up App Shortcuts for Faster Access

Access your most-used app functions directly from the home screen using app shortcuts, saving time on repetitive tasks.

Long-press on the app icon on your home screen, and a menu with shortcuts will appear (e.g. composing a new email in Gmail). Drag your preferred shortcut to the home screen to create a dedicated icon for it. This feature is supported by many popular apps, making it easy to jump straight to specific tasks.

5. Use Digital Wellbeing to Monitor App Usage

Keep track of how much time you’re spending on various apps and set limits to ensure you’re not getting distracted during work hours.

Go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” and then tap on “Dashboard.” Here, you’ll see a breakdown of your app usage. Tap on an app to set a daily limit, after which the app will pause for the rest of the day. This helps in maintaining focus and reducing time spent on non-essential apps.

6. Pin Important Notifications

Avoid missing critical notifications by pinning them to the top of your notification shade, ensuring they remain visible until addressed.

Swipe down to open your notification shade, then find the notification you want to pin. Long press on the notification and select “Pin” or “Keep.” This option may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer, but it ensures important messages or alerts stay at the forefront.

7. Use Android’s Built-In Screen Recorder

Easily create video tutorials, record presentations, or capture gameplay directly on your device without needing third-party apps.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings menu, then tap on “Screen Recorder” (you may need to add it to the menu if it’s not visible). Choose your recording settings, such as audio input, and tap “Start.” The recording will begin after a short countdown, and you can stop it by tapping the notification or the stop button.

8. Enable One-Handed Mode for Easier Use

Make it easier to use your phone with one hand, especially on larger devices, by enabling One-Handed Mode.

Go to “Settings,” select “Advanced Features” (this may vary by manufacturer), then tap on “One-Handed Mode.” Enable the mode and choose how you want to activate it—by swiping down from the bottom of the screen or by double-tapping the home button. This mode reduces the screen size, allowing easier access to all areas of the display with one hand.

9. Manage Permissions for Better Privacy

Control which apps have access to your personal data by managing app permissions, enhancing your privacy and security.

Go to “Settings,” select “Privacy” or “Apps & notifications,” then tap on “Permission manager.” Here, you can see which apps have access to various permissions, such as location, camera, and microphone. You can adjust these settings to only allow apps access when they’re in use or deny permissions entirely.

10. Use the Clipboard Manager to Save Multiple Items

Keep track of multiple copied items and access them later using Android’s clipboard manager, enhancing your productivity.

If your device supports it (such as on Samsung’s One UI or through third-party apps like Gboard), you can access the clipboard by long-pressing in any text field and tapping “Clipboard.” Here, you’ll see a history of your copied items. Tap on any item to paste it, or pin important items to keep them saved even after restarting your device.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

We hope these tips go some way to helping you unlock the full potential of your Android device and make your daily tasks smoother and more efficient, this summer and beyond.

Summer Apple Pips : 10 MORE iPhone Tricks

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Following in from last week, here are 10 more top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Use QuickPath for Faster Typing

When you’re in a hurry and need to type out messages or emails with one hand, the QuickPath feature can be a real time-saver. Instead of tapping each key individually, simply swipe your finger across the keyboard to form words. This intuitive method allows you to glide from one letter to the next without lifting your finger, speeding up your typing and making it easier to compose messages on the go.

2. Capture Entire Web Pages with Full-Page Screenshots

Sometimes, you need to save more than just what’s visible on your screen. Whether you’re documenting a long article or capturing detailed web content, the full-page screenshot feature in Safari is invaluable. After taking a regular screenshot, tap the preview thumbnail, then select “Full Page” at the top of the screen. This will capture the entire length of the webpage, allowing you to scroll through and save it as a PDF. You can even crop the content to focus on specific sections before saving or sharing it.

3. Record Your Screen Without Background Noise

When creating a screen recording for a presentation or tutorial, you might not want to capture background noise or your voice. You can easily disable the microphone during a screen recording session by accessing the Control Centre, long-pressing the Screen Recording button, and toggling the microphone off. This feature is particularly useful for creating clean, professional recordings that you can voiceover later if needed.

4. Ensure Your Apps Are Always Up-to-Date

Keeping your apps up-to-date is essential for maintaining security and accessing new features. While your iPhone can automatically update apps, you can also manually force updates to ensure you’re running the latest versions. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and swipe down to refresh the update list. If updates are available, tap “Update All” to bring all your apps up to date. This proactive approach helps you avoid bugs and ensures optimal performance.

5. Make Calls with Your iPad Using Wi-Fi Calling

If your iPhone is out of reach or charging, you can still make and receive calls using your iPad. By enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone, this feature extends to other Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. This allows your iPad to use your iPhone’s connection to the internet for calls, making it a versatile tool when you’re multitasking or working across multiple devices.

6. Switch to Your Preferred Default Apps

If you prefer using third-party apps like Chrome for browsing or Gmail for email, you can set them as your iPhone’s default apps. This means that links and email addresses will automatically open in your preferred apps instead of Safari or Mail. To change your default apps, go to Settings, find the app you want to set as default (e.g., Chrome or Gmail), and choose “Default Browser App” or “Default Mail App.” This simple adjustment aligns your iPhone with your workflow preferences.

7. Back Tap for Quick Access to Functions

The Back Tap feature on your iPhone lets you assign quick actions to a double or triple tap on the back of your device. This can be a real time-saver for functions you use frequently, such as taking a screenshot, activating Siri, or locking the screen. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, and choose the actions you want to trigger with each tap pattern. This feature adds a new layer of convenience to your daily iPhone usage.

8. Free Up Space by Offloading Unused Apps

If your iPhone’s storage is getting tight, consider enabling the “Offload Unused Apps” feature. This automatically removes apps you haven’t used in a while, freeing up valuable space while preserving your data. The next time you reinstall the app, all your data will be intact. To activate this feature, go to Settings > App Store, and toggle on Offload Unused Apps. This is especially useful for heavy apps like games that take up a lot of space but aren’t used daily.

9. Teach Siri to Pronounce Names Correctly

If Siri mispronounces names or struggles to recognise certain contacts, you can teach her the correct pronunciation. Simply say, “Hey Siri, learn how to pronounce [name],” and Siri will guide you through the process of correcting her pronunciation. This feature ensures that voice commands and dictations are more accurate, making your interactions with Siri more effective and frustration-free.

10. Retrieve Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords

If you’ve connected to a Wi-Fi network in the past but can’t remember the password, your iPhone can help. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and then tap to reveal the password. This is especially handy when you need to connect another device to the same network or share the password with a colleague. No more guessing or searching through old notes for passwords!

These 10 top tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks this summer, and beyond.

Summer Android Tips – Part 1

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this article, we’ve gathered together 10 top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Voice Commands with Google Assistant 

Boost your productivity by using Google Assistant’s voice commands to perform tasks hands-free, whether you’re driving, multitasking, or simply looking for a quicker way to get things done.

Activate Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or by pressing and holding the home button. If you haven’t set up Google Assistant yet, you’ll be prompted to do so by following the on-screen instructions. Once activated, you can use voice commands for various tasks. For example, say “Hey Google, send a text to Pete saying I’m running late,” or “Hey Google, set a timer for 5 minutes.” You can also ask it to search the web, navigate to a location, or even control smart home devices. To make sure Google Assistant is always ready, you can enable “Hey Google” detection in the Assistant settings under “Voice Match.”

2. Encrypt Your Data 

Protecting sensitive business data is crucial, especially if your device is lost or stolen. Encrypting your data can therefore ensure that even if someone gains physical access to your device, they won’t be able to read your files without the decryption key.

To check if your device is already encrypted, go to “Settings,” tap on “Security,” and look for an option like “Encrypt phone” or “Encryption & credentials.” If your device isn’t encrypted, select “Encrypt phone” (or “Encrypt tablet”) and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to power, as the encryption process can take an hour or more. Once completed, your data will be protected, and you’ll need your PIN, pattern, or password to decrypt it each time you turn on your device.

3. Backup Regularly 

Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss in case of a device failure, loss, or accidental deletion.

To back up your Android device, go to “Settings,” select “System,” and then tap on “Backup.” Ensure that “Back up to Google Drive” is turned on. Here, you can see which data is being backed up, including app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS text messages. To customise what gets backed up, tap on “Account” to select the Google account where backups should be stored, then tap on the various categories to enable or disable specific backups. You can also manually back up your data by tapping “Back up now.”

 4. Clean Up With Smart Manager 

Keeping your device running smoothly and efficiently is vital, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or numerous apps. Smart Manager helps you optimise your device’s performance by clearing unnecessary files and managing resources.

Open the “Smart Manager” or “Device care” app from your settings. If your device doesn’t have this app, you can find similar options under “Settings” > “Storage” or “Battery.” In the app, you’ll see options to clean up storage, optimise RAM, and manage your battery life. Tap on each section to view recommendations for cleanup or optimisation. For example, under “Storage,” you can delete unnecessary files, clear cache, and uninstall unused apps. Under “Battery,” you can check battery usage by app and enable power-saving modes.

5. Reduce Battery Drain 

Battery life is a common concern, especially for business users who rely on their devices throughout the day. Reducing battery drain ensures your device lasts longer between charges.

Go to “Settings,” tap on “Battery,” then select “Battery Saver” or “Power saving mode.” You can enable this feature to automatically turn on when your battery reaches a certain level, or activate it manually whenever needed. Also, you can optimise your battery usage by making a few changes such as adjusting screen brightness, turning off location services, and limiting background data for specific apps. In the “Battery” settings, you can also see which apps are consuming the most power and take action, such as disabling or uninstalling power-hungry apps.

6. Plan Events and Tasks Using Calendar 

Staying organised is key to managing a busy schedule and using your Android’s Calendar app can help you keep track of meetings, deadlines, and personal tasks.

Open the “Calendar” app that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. Tap the “+” button or “Create” to add a new event. Fill in the details like the event title, time, date, location, and any guests you’d like to invite. Set a reminder by choosing how far in advance you’d like to be notified. You can also create recurring events by tapping on “Does not repeat” and selecting the frequency. To sync your calendar with your work or personal accounts, go to “Settings” within the Calendar app, select “Manage accounts,” and add any additional accounts you want to sync.

7. Chatting Using ‘Google Meet’ 

Effective communication is essential in business, and alt hough you may have tried Zoom or WhatsApp, you may not know that Google Meet is a really reliable platform for video conferencing and collaboration.

First, however, you’ll need to download and open the “Google Meet” app, sign in with your Google account, and tap “New meeting” to start a session. You can schedule a meeting in advance using the “Schedule in Google Calendar” option, or start an instant meeting. To invite others, tap on “Share invite” and send the meeting link through email, chat, or any other communication app. When joining a meeting, you can control your microphone and camera, and share your screen to present documents or slides. Make sure to test your audio and video settings before starting a meeting to ensure everything runs smoothly.

8. Smart Lock To Stay Secure

Wherever you are this summer, constantly unlocking your device can be tedious, especially in a secure environment. Smart Lock allows your device to stay unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to certain devices.

Go to “Settings,” select “Security,” then “Smart Lock.” You’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password to access Smart Lock settings. Once inside, you can choose from different options like “On-body detection,” which keeps your device unlocked while you’re carrying it, “Trusted Places” that unlock your device when you’re at a specified location (e.g. home or office), and “Trusted devices” that keep your phone unlocked when connected to a specific Bluetooth device like your car or smartwatch. Set up the options that best suit your needs to reduce the hassle of repeatedly unlocking your device.

9. Use Focus Mode to Minimise Distractions 

In a busy work environment, staying focused is crucial. With this in mind, Android’s Focus Mode can help you minimise distractions by pausing apps that might interrupt your workflow, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

To enable Focus Mode, go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” then tap on “Focus Mode.” You’ll see a list of apps that you can pause. Select the apps that tend to distract you the most. Once you’ve selected the apps, you can turn on Focus Mode immediately or schedule it for certain times of the day. When Focus Mode is active, the selected apps will be greyed out and won’t send notifications, helping you maintain your focus. You can also set up “Take a break” intervals if you need a quick break from Focus Mode.

10. Need To Multi-Task? Use Multi-Window 

Multitasking can be a challenge but it’s often necessary in business, and the Multi-Window feature lets you run two apps side by side, making it easier to juggle tasks like referencing documents while emailing.

To use Android’s Multi-Window feature, start by opening the first app you want to use. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the recent apps menu (on some devices, this might be a button press). Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview and select “Open in split-screen view.” You’ll then be prompted to choose a second app from the list of recently opened apps or your app drawer. Once selected, both apps will display simultaneously on your screen, with a divider that you can drag to resize the windows as needed. This feature is ideal for comparing data, responding to messages while referencing documents, or watching a video while taking notes.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

These Android tips are designed to enhance your efficiency and make your business life a little easier. By incorporating these tricks into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your Android device. Stay tuned for next week where we’ll have 10 more top summer Android tips for you.

Summer Apple Pips : 10 Top iPhone Tricks

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Here are 10 top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Digitally Sign Documents

Gone are the days when you needed a printer or scanner to sign important documents. With your iPhone, you can quickly add your signature to any document. Simply take a screenshot of the document, tap the preview thumbnail that appears, and select the Plus icon on the bottom right. From there, choose “Signature” and either draw a new signature or use a stored one. Once you’ve positioned and resized your signature, save the document to share it digitally.

2. Set Up Keyboard Shortcuts for Frequently Used Phrases

If you find yourself repeatedly typing the same phrases, save time by setting up keyboard shortcuts. Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut, then enter the phrase and a corresponding abbreviation. Now, when you type the abbreviation, your iPhone will automatically expand it to the full phrase. This is especially useful for commonly used business phrases or contact information.

3. Turn Your Keyboard into a Trackpad

Need to edit a text message or email with precision? You can convert your iPhone’s keyboard into a trackpad (like a mousepad on a laptop) by holding down the spacebar. As you press, the keys will disappear, allowing you to move the cursor with your finger. This feature makes it easier to navigate and edit text without having to tap directly on the screen.

4. Extract Text from Photos and Videos

With iPhone’s Live Text feature, you can quickly extract and interact with text found in photos or paused video frames. Simply open the image or video, tap the Live Text icon, and the text will be highlighted. You can then copy, paste, or interact with the text—whether it’s translating a foreign language, dialing a phone number, or visiting a URL. This is a powerful tool for capturing and utilising information on the go.

5. Broadcast Your Screen During Presentations

When you need to share your iPhone screen during a virtual meeting, you can easily do so by using the screen recording feature. Access the Control Centre and long-press the Screen Recording button. You’ll be able to choose an app like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype to broadcast your screen directly. This is a seamless way to share presentations, demonstrate apps, or provide training sessions remotely.

6. Enhance Audio Quality in Voice Memos

If you often use the Voice Memos app to record meetings, interviews, or notes, you can significantly improve the audio quality by reducing background noise. After recording, tap the equaliser icon and toggle on “Enhance Recording.” This feature filters out ambient noise, ensuring your voice is clear and professional, making your recordings more useful for later reference.

7. Customise Safari Settings for Specific Websites

Not all websites are created equal and some may require different settings for optimal viewing. In Safari, you can tailor the appearance and functionality for individual sites. While browsing, tap the AA icon in the address bar to adjust the font size, enable Reader mode, or choose to always view the desktop version of the site. This feature ensures a consistent and comfortable browsing experience, especially when working with content-heavy websites.

8. Efficiently Move Multiple Apps at Once

Reorganising your home screen doesn’t have to be a tedious process. Instead of moving apps one by one, you can select multiple apps simultaneously. Press and hold one app until it starts to wiggle, then tap additional apps with another finger to create a group. You can then drag this group to a new location or page on your home screen, saving you time and effort.

9. Scan and Save Documents with the Notes App

The Notes app on your iPhone doubles as a portable scanner, making it easy to digitise documents. Open a new note, tap the camera icon, and select “Scan Documents.” The app will automatically detect the edges of the document and capture a clear, high-quality scan. This feature is invaluable for quickly saving and sharing contracts, receipts, or any other important paperwork while on the move.

10. Silence Unknown Callers to Minimise Distractions

If you’re tired of being interrupted by unwanted calls, you can enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers, and any number not in your contacts will be automatically directed to voicemail. You’ll still receive a notification of the missed call, and the number will appear in your Recents list. This feature helps you stay focused on important tasks without unnecessary interruptions.

These 10 tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks.

Tech Insight : A Dozen Handy Google Maps Tricks

Posted on by Paul Stradling

With Google Maps now one of the most popular mapping services globally, used by millions of people every day, plus having new features regularly being added, here we look at a dozen top Google Maps (Android) tricks to help you on your way.

Driving 

Since Google Maps can be extremely useful in the car, the first few tricks are for driving.

1. Set Departure or Arrival Times 

What it is: With this feature, you can plan a route based on your desired departure or arrival time.

Benefits: This is a great way to help with your scheduling by estimating travel time based on traffic predictions.

How-to: To use this feature, search for your destination and tap on “Directions.”

Choose your mode of transport. Then, tap on the three dots next to the “Your location” field.

Select “Set depart or arrive time” to choose your desired time, and see the estimated duration.

2. Smarter Driving with Google Assistant 

What it is: This is a helpful driving mode with messaging assistance.

Benefits: It reads messages aloud and provides you with driving notifications.

How-to: In “Navigation settings” enable “Google Assistant settings” and “Get messaging help while driving.” Adjust the message alert settings and activate “Driving notifications.”

3. Choosing The Fastest Routes Over Fuel-Efficient Ones 

What it is: If time is really of the essence, Google Maps allows you to opt for the fastest route instead of the (default) fuel-efficient one.

Benefits: Saves time / gets you there fast.

How-to: Disable “Prefer fuel-efficient routes” in “Navigation settings” > “Route options.”

4. Smarter Searching Along The Route 

What it is: If you need to plan some stops along the way, this feature helps you to search for the kind of places you’re interested in along your current route.

Benefits: Finds your stops without the need for detouring.

How-to: From the directions screen, tap the three-dot menu > “Search along route.”

Next, type in the kind of thing you’re looking for along the way e.g., restaurants, petrol stations, or specific businesses.

5. Traffic Tracking 

What it is: This can be particularly helpful on UK roads because it allows you to view real-time traffic information during navigation.

Benefits: Keeps you informed about traffic conditions so, hopefully, you can avoid the jams.

How-to: During navigation, swipe up (on the time estimate panel > activate “Show traffic on map.”

Making Things Easier 

These next tricks offer ways to just save time and make things easier for yourself within Google Maps.

6. Glanceable Directions 

What it is: This offers an enhanced navigation view with detailed steps and ETA – everything you need at a glance rather than having to search within Google Maps.

Benefits: Easier navigation and a better route overview.

How-to: Open Maps, tap profile picture > “Settings” > “Navigation settings.”

Activate “Glanceable directions.”

7. Live View for Walking 

What it is: This makes it much easier to know and see more of what’s actually around you while you’re walking along, especially if it’s somewhere you haven’t been before. Live View for Walking uses augmented reality to help with walking directions.

Benefits: Easier navigation in unfamiliar areas.

How-to: Start walking directions, and tap “Live View” (near the bottom).

8. Spot Saving 

What it is: If you’ve just found a great parking spot and you’d like to remember where it was for future reference, this feature will save your parking spot (or any location).

Benefits: Easy return navigation.

How-to: Tap the blue dot > “Save parking” and add details if needed.

9. Pinned Places 

What it is: If you need to visit the same place(s), it’s much easier to have these places saved somewhere so you can quickly pull them up rather than type them in anew each time. Pinned places does just that – it pins common trips for quick access.

Benefits: Simplifies starting navigation to frequent destinations.

How-to: Pin trips from the (main Maps screen) “Go” tab (at the bottom) or from the directions screen.

Eating 

Google Maps now provides plenty of details for nearby places to eat. Here’s a helpful trick if you’re looking for your favourite type of food.

10. Better Restaurant Suggestions

What it is: This Filters restaurant searches by various criteria.

Benefits: Tailored dining options.

How-to: After selecting “Restaurants” you can tap the filter icon and apply filters to find just the kind of food you’re looking for in the area.

Sharing 

If you’re meeting up with people (or just to make things safer), it can be useful to let others know where you are. This next trick does just that.

11. Shared Places 

What it is: A way to share your real-time location.

Benefits: Lets others track your progress.

How-to: Tap the blue location dot (within the main maps screen) > “Share location” or use “Share trip progress” during navigation.

Customising 

Customising a map can be a great way to make it simpler and faster for you to see what you need to see. This final trick helps with just that.

12. Customise Your Map with Labels 

What it is: You can add your own personal labels to locations for easier identification.

Benefits: This simplifies finding frequently visited places or marking spots of interest with custom names.

How-to: Search for a location or long-press on the map to select a place. Next, tap on the location’s name or address at the bottom, then choose “Label.” Enter your custom label name and save. The label will appear on your map for future reference.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

With other popular mapping tools available, Google has tried very hard in recent times to add a variety of extra useful features to Google Maps in order to compete and to retain and engage its users. However, although many of us use Google Maps, we’re unlikely to have the time or the inclination to read-up on the growing number of features and may only use Google Maps as and when, perhaps sticking to the same basic features each time. The hope is, therefore, that this collection of tricks may provide you with some useful tools and inspiration to get more value from Google Maps, perhaps saving you some valuable time and enhancing aspects of the journey on your next business or leisure trip.