maps Archives

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

Android Auto 17.8 Now Available for Download for All Users

Google has begun rolling out Android Auto 17.8 for production devices, which will be available gradually through the Google Play Store. Users may receive updates in waves, and some may find their version already current. A stand-alone APK installer is also available for those seeking immediate access. The update introduces a new full-screen GameSnacks experience and restores signal bars for some users. Additionally, Google Maps has added new pop-ups for stop signs and traffic lights to enhance navigation. The full build number for this update is 17.8.6638.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Google Maps Just Got A Useful New Traffic Lights Feature On Android Auto

Google Maps has introduced an update for Android Auto that provides pop-up notifications about upcoming intersections, including traffic lights and stop signs. This feature enhances the driving experience by transforming static map information into dynamic alerts, potentially reducing the chances of drivers missing stop signs. The update is being rolled out gradually and is also available on smartphones using Google Maps. Looking ahead to 2026, Google plans to implement features such as Gemini-powered conversational navigation, 3D route visualization, smart zoom, transparent building views, improved voice guidance, updated Street View, and enhanced route information regarding tolls and traffic conditions. Additionally, Android Auto will receive a redesign and new features in the coming months.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

#1 Best-Selling Steam Game Just Achieved Something No PC Game Has Since Palworld

The top-selling title on Steam from September 8 to September 22, 2026, is War Dogs, which has achieved significant sales and a peak of over 428,000 concurrent players. It ranks as the 36th biggest title on Steam and has received a "Very Positive" rating based on an 82% approval rating from nearly 52,000 user reviews. War Dogs is an online tactical first-person shooter featuring three teams in strategic combat, emphasizing collaboration and requiring players to invest time to master its mechanics. The game is currently in early access and is priced at .99, with expectations for a higher retail price upon final release.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Google Maps is failing to complete basic searches for some users

Users are experiencing a glitch with the search functionality in the browser version of Google Maps, where searching for general terms like "restaurants" results in an error message suggesting a misspelling or incomplete query. Specific location searches work normally, but general searches yield a message stating, “Google Maps can’t find restaurants,” prompting users to check spelling or provide additional location details. This issue appears to be limited to the browser version, with no problems reported on the mobile app. Some users have found that searching in incognito mode may resolve the issue, though this workaround is not universally effective. The glitch affects multiple browsers, not just Chrome. Android Authority has contacted Google for clarification on the matter.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

RTX 5090 and DLSS 5 Transform Classic Minecraft into 4K

A recent benchmark in Minecraft contrasts the original aesthetic with a modified version using the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card and DLSS 5 neural network rendering technology. The modified build features an AdaptiveVision shader, optimized ReShade post-processing presets, and material maps for roughness and reflectivity. DLSS 5 enhances textures without changing polygonal meshes, eliminating subpixel flickering and improving light and shadow gradients. The RTX 5090's video memory and tensor units maintain high frame rates during demanding path tracing and neural network computations. This project demonstrates the potential of machine learning technologies in enhancing classic games.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

New Google Maps Navigation Update: Traffic Lights and Stop Sign Pop-Ups on Android Auto

Google Maps is introducing a new feature on Android Auto that displays pop-ups for traffic lights and stop signs at the next turn during navigation, enhancing the driving experience by providing clearer visual cues. This feature is currently being rolled out and is expected to be available to all users soon. Additionally, users have reported issues with the speedometer feature, which disappears when turn-by-turn navigation is not active and inconsistently switches between kilometers per hour and miles per hour. Google has not provided updates on these issues.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Blame this Google Maps Android Auto bug for your next speeding ticket

A glitch in Google Maps is affecting Android Auto users, causing the speedometer feature to switch inconsistently between miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour (KPH), regardless of user settings. Reports from users indicate that some see MPH when they prefer KPH and vice versa. The cause of the inconsistency is unclear, though one theory suggests proximity to international borders may be a factor.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

New Google Maps Speedometer Headache on Android Auto, Users Calling for Another Fix

The Google Maps speedometer feature has been experiencing a glitch where it fluctuates between kilometers per hour (kph) and miles per hour (mph), causing confusion for users, particularly those set to kph. This issue requires users to restart the app to restore their preferred settings, which is cumbersome on Android Auto. Some users report that the speedometer switches to mph while the settings still indicate kph, highlighting a disconnect between user preferences and app functionality. Google has not yet addressed this issue publicly. Additionally, a new speedometer feature that operates without a destination has faced challenges, including its disappearance after an update in early September, which Google stated was part of the rollout process. The feature is expected to be widely available by the end of the year. Users experiencing the glitch are advised to force-close the app when the unit switches to mph.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

You Can Change Your Google Maps Car Icon Without Even Touching Your Phone

In Android Auto version 17.8.163744 and Google Maps 26.38.0, a new feature called Driving Avatar allows users to customize the vehicle icon displayed on the screen. This feature was introduced in February 2025 and became available in Android Auto by May 2026. Users can access the Google Maps app directly through Android Auto to customize their avatar, which can be done by tapping the settings icon and selecting Driving Avatar. Customization options include various vehicle types and colors, such as a blue arrow, sedan, truck, SUV, sports car, small EV, and legacy icons like a red car, green pickup, and yellow station wagon. Additionally, Google Maps offers practical features like downloading offline maps, sharing trip progress, enabling media playback controls, and tailoring route suggestions.

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

Ahead of GTA 6’s Release, Rockstar Updates Modding Guidelines Touching on Monetization, Multiplayer

Take-Two Interactive has not confirmed the release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 on PC, but the game is anticipated to launch in November. Rockstar Games has updated its modding guidelines for GTA 6, which include prohibitions on altering storylines, combining elements from different titles, and unauthorized monetization of mods. The guidelines emphasize respect for Rockstar's intellectual property and the creator community, and they state that monetization is only allowed through approved digital storefronts. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the PC version's release date still unannounced. Additionally, Rockstar will release "Grand Theft Auto 6: The Album," featuring 34 original tracks from contemporary artists.