After adding a new look, 6D landmarks, and clearer navigation features to Apple Maps in Taiwan in June of this year, Apple once again announced that the "Look Around" feature, which allows users to explore with real street views, has officially launched in Taiwan.
Like the Street View feature provided by Google Maps, the "Look Around" feature added by Apple Maps can also view images of various places in real street view, such as the exterior of a restaurant you plan to visit, or view the environment of a specific attraction. You can even "move forward" in the street view content by touching and clicking.
Apple primarily captures Street View images using specially equipped vehicles and backpacks. The company also emphasized that it will continuously update Street View content to keep it up-to-date. However, Apple did not disclose the frequency or timing of updates, but emphasized that it will use deep learning and other technologies to blur private information such as faces, license plates, and house numbers in Street View to prevent impacting others' privacy.
However, the street view added to the "Look Around" function is currently mainly in urban areas. Some areas such as mountainous areas and remote towns may not be able to display street views temporarily, but Apple is expected to increase it in the future.
In previous updates, Apple has added richer map content to Apple Maps, making map information richer and navigation more accurate. It can even provide natural language guidance, making it easier for users to find their intended destination through Apple Maps. It can even use line guidance to tell drivers to enter the correct lane on complex multi-directional roads, and can also use speed cameras to remind users to avoid speeding.
In addition, users can also share their estimated arrival time with family and friends through the arrival time sharing feature, and the estimated arrival time will be adjusted in real time if there is a delay. Users can also now find nearby public transportation stops through Apple Maps, and the system will also send reminders when users should get off the bus.
In the iOS 17 update, users can download map data for specific areas to facilitate navigation when there is no network. In addition, they can also view the 3D scenes of large metropolitan areas through a bird's-eye view. At specific airports and shopping malls, they can also confirm their current location through indoor maps.
