For navigation purposes, Google Maps is the most popular application, but only a few users know Google Maps supports built-in media playback controls. Back in 2008, this was added to Google Maps, and users could play music via Google Play Music.
In a recent announcement made by Google to make this navigation process more musical, they have added YouTube Music also. This means users will now have a choice.
How does Media Playback Works in Google Maps?
We all know to make navigation easy and smoother Google Maps uses a full-screen navigation UI, and this doesn’t change when you play using. Instead, when music is played in the background, the app’s icon appears beneath the mute FAB. This means without exiting Google Maps; you can change the track.
To get more information about the track, you can tap slides, and it will show song details with album artwork.
On the right side, you can find buttons to play/pause and forward/backwards.
Is this feature auto-enabled?
No, the media playback control feature is not enabled by default. If you want to make your journey interesting, you will have to enable it.
How to enable Media Playback Controls on Google Maps?
To setup music apps and play your favorite song while using Google Maps, follow the steps below:
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap the profile picture at the top right corner.
- From here, click Settings.
- In the subsequent window scroll down and look for Navigation Settings.
- Now, toggle the button next to Show media playback controls.
- You’ll now be asked to choose the default media app.
- Please select the one you want to use to be it Spotify, Google Play Music or YouTube Music > Next.
Remember: If you do not have YouTube Music or other application installed you won’t see them in the application list.
That’s it you will now see the icon for the selected music app while using Google Maps. It’s great to know that Google finally added YouTube Music, but iOS users will have to wait as it is only added for Android users. To use YouTube Music, make sure you are using 10.43.2, version of Google Maps, and an updated version of YouTube Music. So, what are you waiting for? Make your journey musical and interesting with playback music controls added to Google Maps.
Do share your views about this feature in the comments box below.
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Amara Smith
Can I transfer my Google Play Music to YouTube music?Preeti Seth
Yes, you can transfer Google Play Music to YouTube Music. To learn how to do it visit https://wethegeek.com/how-to-transfer-your-music-from-google-play-music-to-youtube-music/ for detailed instructions.Krishan Vijay
Is it possible to use spotify and google maps at same time?Preeti Seth
Hello Krishna, Yes, if you are using an Android phone you can use both Google Maps and Spotify together. To use it just make sure you have the latest version of both Google Maps and Spotify. Now, follow the steps to use Spotify with Google Maps: 1. Open Google Maps. 2. Tap your profile picture at the top right corner > Settings > Navigation Settings. 3. Toggle the button next to Show media playback controls. 4. You’ll now be asked to choose the media app select Spotify > Next. That’s it now you can use both apps simultaneously.