Google is experimenting with an ‘off route’ feature on its mobile navigation app, Google Maps. The feature will only available to users in India. It will alert them when a taxi or car deviates from its designated route by more than 500 meters. The off route alert can be found in the ‘Stay Safer’ menu on Google Maps according a report by XDA developers.
Why you should care:
The upcoming safety feature can be useful for two very common situations. One, if you’re in a new city using the local transport, like an auto rickshaw and local cab, the feature will keep you from getting tricked into riding a longer and more expensive route.
And, two, even in normal situations, the app will send an alert on your phone if your cab weers more than 500 meters off its designated route rather automatically reroute.