Google Maps is updating its Fused Orientation Provider (FOP) API to improve direction accuracy in crowded areas. The update combines gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer data, reducing magnetic interference and benefiting Google Maps and third-party apps on Android 5.0 or above.
We keep hearing about it Google Maps fiasco from all over the globe where it led people in a strange direction and eventually stuck them in the “worst case scenario”. Now a new post published on the Android Developers blog gives a glimpse of Maps getting a new one update for better with directions.
The post talks about a potential update that Maps will receive with the Fused Orientation Provider (FOP) API that aims to make “orientation” detection better on Android devices, regardless of the hardware used by different OEMs in their devices.
According to the post, the update will make Maps better interpret directions to make them more accurate by combining gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer data.
However, this idea of ​​Google using data from all sensors is not new, the company used the API before, but the update will make better magnetic interference. According to the post, the changes will not only apply to Google Maps, but also to third-party applications that rely on Google Maps to offer navigation data.
It should be noted that the update will be done inside Google Maps, it will not affect the user interface or layout of the app. In addition, the Updated API it will be launched server-side or via app update on Android devices running Android 5.0 or above.
How will it affect users
As mentioned, the update will not change anything in terms of the design of the app or the user interface. The changes are internal in the form of an API that will be pushed automatically via the update. That said, the update is set to do better with directions, especially in busy areas.
The post talks about a potential update that Maps will receive with the Fused Orientation Provider (FOP) API that aims to make “orientation” detection better on Android devices, regardless of the hardware used by different OEMs in their devices.
According to the post, the update will make Maps better interpret directions to make them more accurate by combining gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer data.
However, this idea of ​​Google using data from all sensors is not new, the company used the API before, but the update will make better magnetic interference. According to the post, the changes will not only apply to Google Maps, but also to third-party applications that rely on Google Maps to offer navigation data.
It should be noted that the update will be done inside Google Maps, it will not affect the user interface or layout of the app. In addition, the Updated API it will be launched server-side or via app update on Android devices running Android 5.0 or above.
How will it affect users
As mentioned, the update will not change anything in terms of the design of the app or the user interface. The changes are internal in the form of an API that will be pushed automatically via the update. That said, the update is set to do better with directions, especially in busy areas.
