Google has updated to it’s popular Google Maps app which relies on both historical and current traffic data to plan routs and offer alternates. The previous version, could advise drivers of bad traffic ahead and offer a shortest alternative, but often times, the shortest route wasn’t always the fastest. The new version will offer three alternatives, the distance of each route and the projected time it takes to transit the detour.

Users don’t have to update the app as the change is done at the server level. That’s great news as all that the driver needs to do is access the Google Maps app as usual. There are also pings to return directions as well. The new Google apps features are available to North American and European markets where Google can link to real time traffic data.

[via Technologizer]