14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just rolled out an update for the Windows Maps app on both PCs and smartphones running Windows 10 Mobile, which brings a handful of new features and performance improvements.
First and foremost, the new version of the Maps app makes it possible for users to pin home and work locations to Start and thus easily get directions from anywhere they are. This is pretty much the easiest way to receive directions to home when leaving the office, or vice-versa, without the need to open the app.
At the same time, the Windows Maps app also features new improvements to turn-by-turn navigation. According to the official change log published in the store, if you’re already running the November Update (build 1511), you can also get lane guidance when using navigation features of the Windows Maps app.
Traffic camera support
And according to WindowsCentral, there’s another feature that’s not included in the release notes and that is quite important for a mapping app.
Starting with this version, the Windows Maps app also provides access to traffic cameras across the United States. This was a feature that was previously implemented in Bing Maps with support for 35,000 traffic cameras, and the same number is very likely to be available in the Windows Maps app too.
And last but not least, there’s one new feature that arrives just in time for Christmas. You can find Santa and follow his path as he travels around the globe on December 24 using NORAD data.
The new update is available in the store for all devices running Windows 10, but keep in mind that certain features, such as the traffic cameras, only show locations in the United States. Microsoft has already promised to expand this to more locations in the near future, so expect further updates to the Windows Maps app to follow too.
