Google Adds The Ability To Order Food Via Google Maps

Google is making it easier for users to order food, reportedly launching an update to Google Maps on iOS that enables users to to more quickly order food and add photos of places from within the app.

According to a report, the new update to Google Maps also lets users find codes for locations around the globe. The availability of the feature that lets users order directly from the app depends on the city users are in, as well as the country. The report noted that most people living in big cities will have the new option. People who search for delivery services, such as GrubHub or EatStreet, will see a “Place and Order” option in the location details, noted the report. If that option is chosen, the user is directed to the website of the delivery service.

The report went on to note that Google has made it easier to add photos via Google Maps. Google included an “Add A Photo” option below the existing images. That enables users to take a picture within Google Maps or upload one from the camera roll in iOS. By dropping a pin in Google Maps, users can even find zip codes for locations.

The additions to Google Maps come at a time when Uber, the ride-hailing app, is trying to reduce its dependence on Google Maps. According to a report in August, Uber is pouring $500 million into developing its own mapping technology to wean itself off Google Maps and prepare for the advent of driverless cars. A Financial Times report said Uber currently has vehicles out “crisscrossing” the highways and byways of the U.S. and Mexico in order to record the surroundings and capture images and data of the terrain and streets. Uber plans to send out similar vehicles throughout other countries to map the terrain there as well in the near future. Uber is hoping to reduce or eliminate its dependence on Google Maps altogether, according to FT. Ironically, Google was an early investor in Uber, but the two companies are now working independently to develop rival technology for driverless cars.