The new features are available on Android and iOS

Feb 13, 2017 15:02 GMT  ·  By

Google has just announced that it brought new features to its Maps application on both Android and iOS. Google Maps users will now be able to create lists with their favorite places and share them with friends.

“Starting today, you can create lists of places, share your lists with others, and follow the lists your friends and family share with you - without ever leaving the Google Maps app (Android, iOS),” said Zach Maier, product manager at Google Maps.

It’s quite easy to get started, you simply need to open the Google Maps app and find your favorite spot on the map. Then, tap on the place’s name and on the “Save’’ icon to add the place to one of the pre-set lists like “Favorites” or “Want to Go.” This way, you can distinguish between the places that you’ve visited and the places that you would like to see some day.

Create new lists and share with friends

You can also create a new list with a name of your choosing. All lists are stored under the Your Places section in the side menu and icons for the places that you’ve saved to lists will actually appear on the map.

Google also brings you the option to share lists in multiple ways, including via text, email, social networks or messaging apps. Friends can tap on the “Follow” icon to get access to your lists whenever they need it. Lists can be accessed from mobile apps or the desktop version of Maps and they are even accessible offline.

The new feature is quite similar to what Foursquare offers, except that lists in Google Maps aren’t searchable. Google recently updated its Maps app for Android and added shortcuts to various sections, including Places, Driving and Transit, to make it easier for users to access info. Shortcuts to these sections are featured at the bottom of the screen.