Google Maps announces motorbike mode for Việt Nam

HÀ NỘI — Google Maps has announced a new motorbike mode in ASEAN countries, including Việt Nam this week.

The new feature was designed to better serve markets in which motorbikes are a popular means of transport.

Accordingly, the users in Việt Nam will be able to customise their maps for motorcycles, including shortcuts and narrow roads unavailable to cars. Travel time is accurately calculated based on a machine-learning model of motor speed simulation.

Users will also be able to avoid high-speed toll stations and roads on which motorbikes are banned.

Google Maps version 9.79 is available for devices with Android 4.4 (KitKat) and above since Wednesday.

Google Maps currently has more than 1 billion monthly users and is considered a popular choice for drivers with data on 400 million km of road. The number of Google Maps users in Việt Nam is currently 40 per cent higher than last year.

The maps for motorbikes are produced using a combination of different sources, including third-party providers, public sources, and user-supplied data. Google relies on images collected from Street View to determine road limits for motorbikes. — VNS