Google Maps on iOS allows users to send places from desktop to iPhone

Google has released a new update to Maps that allows iOS users to send locations from Google Maps on the desktop, to an iPhone in the form of a push notification. This feature was introduced for Android users in April this year. The updated Google Maps for iOS version 4.7.0 is now available on the App Store.

However, this feature is not enabled simply after updating the app on the iOS device. To activate it, users will need to enable notifications in the settings menu by selecting the option ‘sent from desktop apps’. Make sure to be signed into your Google account on Chrome before sending a location. A new ‘Send to device’ option will allow users to select the phone or tablet they want to send a location to.

With the new update to Maps for iOS, users can now add or edit the business hours of places and view all of the reviews and photos which have been shared by users from the ‘Your Places’ profile. Minor updates for Google Maps include bug fixes.

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In the past, Google Maps was updated to support the **Local Guides** feature. Originally called the City Experts, the Local Guides is basically Google’s efforts to get locals to review businesses and share them with others. It employs rating systems for top reviewers just like Yelp and its Elite Reviewers system.

You will get a star badge after you do more than 50 reviews on your account. There does not seem to be any quality check on the reviews, so long as the volume is high.  You can sign up for the Local Guides program with your Google credentials. There is no word out, when it will reach all users.