India-first 'two-wheeler mode' in Google Maps expands to Asia

IANS  |  New Delhi 

The "two-wheeler mode" in Maps that first arrived in last December has been extended to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and

To be first available for users, the motorcycle-specific navigation will help bikers find the most suitable routes in these countries, The Verge reported late on Thursday.

"The goal is for drivers to read through the directions first to help memorise the path before they start navigating, especially since these countries tend to contain roads and alleyways without actual names," the report said, quoting Krish Vitaldevara, Maps' of Product.

Google, while announcing this at an event in Thailand, did not elaborate when this option would be available on as well as reach Western markets.

In December, incorporated navigation routes for two-wheelers with capabilities in its Maps feature in

The new in Google Maps is seen alongside Drive, Train or Bus and Walk alternatives.

"The India-first feature is the new "two-wheeler mode" in Google Maps. is the largest two-wheeler market in the world, and the millions of motorcycle and scooter riders have different navigation needs than drivers of automobiles," Caesar Sengupta, Vice President, Users Team at Google, had said during the launch.

Two-wheeler mode in Maps shows trip routes that use "shortcuts" not accessible to cars and trucks.

It also provides customized traffic and arrival time estimations.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Fri, July 20 2018. 13:08 IST