Building on its Popular Times feature introduced last year, Google Maps is now offering a real-time view of locations during their busiest times of the day.
With this enhancement, you can see how busy a place is at the current moment, helping you decide whether to visit now or wait for a less crowded time.
“Whether you’re rushing to pick up a last minute gift or seeking a lively bar for some festive spirit, check Popular Times for a sneak preview of what to expect when you arrive,” Google notes.
In addition to real-time busyness updates, Google Maps and Search now provide department and service hours for stores with multiple departments. This means you can find out when the pharmacy at your local supermarket opens or when the auto repair department is available at your local car dealership.
Besides knowing the busiest times and operating hours of various departments, a new feature will also show how long people typically spend at a given location. This insight allows you to plan your day more efficiently, helping you determine if you have enough time to complete your errands before dinner, for instance.
All three of these features are now live in Google Search and Maps.
