unsound news for the perpetually belated : “ I was stuck in dealings ” is no longer a valid self-justification for being late to work . That ’s becauseGoogle Mapsjust added a new use that ’s like agift for commuters , as it monitors dealings in tangible - time and lets them roll in the hay whether their drive or public transit will be stay . The update will be uncommitted for Android and iOS devices beginning this week .

The finish of Google ’s fresh Commute check is to better get up people for the obstruction that lie ahead — say , an accident or highway congestion — or avail them beat traffic wholly . commute during rushing 60 minutes can be up to 60 percent longer than expected , Google pronounce , citing commute datum from 25 North American city . “ grant to diachronic Google Maps data point , people in North America spend a full day per month commuting — which almost adds up to a two - week vacation each year , ” the company enunciate in a assertion .

Before leave the sign , you could gibe the app to see if your commute will be normal or long than usual . alternative road will be suggested when a delay is present , ensuring you ’ll get to bring as soon as potential . If your commute involves a combination of driving and public transfer , Google Maps will even let you know when to exit the house based on road dealings , when the next gearing leaves , and how long it assume to take the air from the railroad train station to your name and address .

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On top of that , commuters in 80 cities around the creation will be able to look at a map and chase the exact fix of their bus or train in real - fourth dimension . Residents in Sydney , Australia , can apply Google Maps to ascertain the passenger mental ability of incoming trains and busses , and Google hopes to roll out this function in other metropolis shortly , The Vergereports .

The new update even lets you control Spotify , Apple Music , and Google Play within the app so that you do n’t have to toggle between apps to get at your euphony . This is partly a safety feature for those who like to toy mobile DJ while driving — although this is n’t advisable when you ’re creeping in dealings and trying not to rear - final stage the vehicle in front of you .

This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated .