Google Maps just got this popular feature back — what you need to know

Google Maps just got this pop characteristic back — what you demand to know

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After a ii-year absenteeism, Google has brought the in-map compass back to Google Maps on Android thanks, it says, to continued user pressure for a return of the feature.

"You lot wanted information technology and we heard yous," a back up post on Google Maps help begins. "We're excited to announce the render of the compass on Maps for Android. "The compass was removed from Maps for Android in early 2019 in an effort to clean up the Navigation screen but due to overwhelming back up it's back!"

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While it's like shooting fish in a barrel to exist cynical about companies insisting that something returning is due to popular need, it's pretty articulate that people really did miss the compass. Y'all don't have to look far to find plenty of examples on Google's own support pages.

The compass appears as a widget on the right-paw side of the map screen, with a red arrow determinedly pointing north on the map as you rotate your phone. It's a handy extra bit of info as you navigate unknown places, and given the small footprint it takes up, it'due south hard to believe Google ever thought information technology was worth removing.

Indeed, Google's explanation that it was removed to clean up the navigation screen is a little hard to breadbasket when the change only e'er happened on the Android version of the app. The iOS edition has kept the compass for the past two years, and Google says that iPhone owners won't e'er have to experience this time in the wilderness: "For Google Maps users on iOS the compass was not removed and will continue to exist available," the support mail service confirms.

Nosotros already knew that Google Maps would be getting a agglomeration of upgrades, including Indoor Live View, integrated weather and air quality, and eco-friendly driving options, but the return of the compass was something that Google kept tranquility until release.

You can come across all these features in the latest version of Google Maps. If it doesn't automatically update, you're looking for version x.62 on the Google Play Shop. But think that telephone compasses aren't always completely reliable, even after scale, so don't let Google Maps overrule your own senses when out exploring the world.

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Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the spider web and in the occasional magazine as well. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, y'all'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more probable, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.