The Maps application Google It continues to innovate with new features designed to make driving more comfortable and safe. One of the most practical is the ability to listen to music with Google Maps without having to leave the navigation, integrating your favorite player directly into the app itself while you're driving from home to work or vice versa.
Google Maps activates the possibility of listening to music directly in the application
Google Maps It is the most widely used GPS navigation application on the planet, making it one of the main sources for obtaining useful information in real time, such as... COVID-19 infections through its data layers or traffic status. Because of this, every time it adds a new feature, it tends to stand out. And this time it does so by being something with makes a lot of sense for everyday lifePeople routinely listen to music on the radio or their mobile phones while driving, and from Google They have concluded that it would be good to have both elements together in the same application.
That's why they've decided to enable the possibility of listen to music with Google Maps directly within the application, so you can control playback, pause, or skip songs without losing sight of the map. This integration is based on displaying some media playback controls within the navigation interface, located in an easily accessible area but without obscuring the route information.
The system works through integration with Google Play Music o SpotifyAlthough some people also indicate that Apple Music seems to be compatible with the system on certain devices. However, it appears and disappears, so it's not possible to confirm it as stable. It's also important to note that, as stated in the official documentation, This feature is not available in all locations Nor for all accounts, as Google is rolling it out gradually.
What can be detailed now is the step-by-step process for activating this system. listen to music with Google Maps You should follow these general steps: activate the media controls in the navigation settings, choose your favorite music app, and from there, control the songs from the bottom of the screen while following the turn-by-turn directions.
How to listen to music with Google Maps on Android
Android is where the integration is most polished. You can play, pause, stop, skip and change songs without leaving Google Maps navigation, taking advantage of the music apps which you already use on your mobile phone. This option is especially useful if you connect your phone to the car's multimedia system via Bluetooth, as everything is controlled from a single interface.
First of all, make sure you have the app updated to the latest version available for your device. To do this, simply go to the Google Play Store and access the Google Maps page to check if you have the latest update available. Download it if so Then open the app to make sure you have the latest features.
Once updated, access the main menu by tapping on your profile picture or account initial from Google, located in the upper right corner. From there, enter the Settings and scroll down until you find the option called Navigation settingsWithin this section you will see the section related to audio and voice, where you must activate the option Show media playback controls.
When you turn on that switch, a warning should appear. pop-up to continue selecting the music or multimedia app that you prefer (for example, Spotify). If that window doesn't pop up, a new option might appear just below on the same screen to choose the application. If it still doesn't appear, return to the main screen of Google Maps and activate navigation: select any point on the map, press on How to get to And the route begins. You'll see a notification informing you of the new feature; tap it and you can continue configuring everything.
From there, Maps will detect your compatible apps installed on the device. Choose your preferred player as the default. You can always change it back within the Navigation settingsin the music playback controls section. Keep in mind that, at any given time, You can only have one multimedia service configured. to control from Google Maps, even if you have several apps installed.
From now on, when you activate turn-by-turn navigation, you'll see an icon with the logo of your selected music app. Tapping it will bring up the music player embedded at the bottom of the screen, within the box that displays the remaining travel time and other trip information. From there, you'll have the option to play, pause, go to previous song, or skip to next song without having to leave the route or change applications.
By pressing the button Exploring You'll be able to access more options related to the music app, such as playlists, recently played songs, and personalized recommendations, depending on the platform you're using. All of this is displayed in a tab at the bottom of the screen, so you can continue viewing the map at the same time.
You should know that this function It is not active for all users or in all regionsIn some cases, it depends on the specific version of Google Maps and the phased testing that Google conducts. If you don't see the option to show media playback controls despite having the latest app, it may not yet be available for your account or area, so it's a good idea to check back periodically.
Download Maps – Navigation and public transport from the Google Play Store
Spotify, Google Play Music, and other apps compatible with Google Maps
Multitasking has become a fundamental skill, and the combination of music you like the most Road navigation with Google Maps is a perfect example of this. Among the most common platforms that integrate with Maps are: Spotify and Google's service, which allows you to control your trip and your music in one place so you can enjoy your favorite playlist while following GPS directions.
To take full advantage of this integration, you need to have the following applications: Google Maps and your music app installed on the phone. In the case of Spotify, for example, you just need to activate the media playback controls In the Maps navigation settings, select Spotify as the default service, accepting the permissions requested to link the accounts.
Once you've done this, the controls for your chosen player will appear at the bottom of the navigation screen, where you'll see the artist name and song title that's playing, in addition to the buttons to manage playback. If you tap the music service's logo (like Spotify's), the tab will expand to show more options, such as your playlists, albums, or recommended content.
With this integration, Google Maps inherits features that already existed in other navigation apps, such as Waze, but expands them by allowing compatibility with various music platforms depending on the operating system and services such as Android AutoAlthough the controls may vary slightly between Android and iOS (on some devices they are displayed at the bottom and on others in a side bubble), the goal is always the same: to allow you to manage the music while still keeping an eye on the route.
Although it's a feature designed for greater convenience, it's worth remembering that, when you're behind the wheel, the ideal is Pay attention to the road And avoid getting distracted by constantly fiddling with the controls. Setting up your playlists before you start your journey and using the car's physical controls or voice commands whenever possible will help you travel more safely while enjoying your music integrated into Google Maps.
Thanks to this tool, the combination of music and navigation with Google Maps turns any journey into a a more enjoyable and personalized experienceallowing you to adapt each route to your style without sacrificing precise real-time directions.
