Google announced a new feature called “Stay Safer” on Wednesday. It not only ensures the users’ safety but also helps them to avoid being tricked by a cab driver while travelling to an unfamiliar part of the city.

How does it work?

The feature would alert Android phone users if a driver deviates more than 0.5 km (500 metres) from the suggested route on Google Maps while travelling in a cab or the likes.

Amanda Bishop, Product Manager, Google Maps on Google India blogs said that when the users’ phones would buzz with a notification, they could tap on it and see how far they are with reference to the original route.

Users can also choose to share the details of the ‘live trip’ with their friends and family through the app.

India-first feature

“Through our extensive research across India, we found that a lot of people limit their mobility due to safety-related concerns. To address this, we are launching this India—first feature,” Bishop added.

Earlier in June, the feature was tested out among a selected Indian Audience. The “off-route alerts” can be found within the “Stay safer” menu.

“The menu is accessible after the user has selected their destination before they enter the navigation mode,” said XDA Developers, a mobile software development community at the testing stage.

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