Google Maps Expands With Option To 'Place An Order'
The latest Google Maps update now allows users to connect to a food delivery service through the app. Facebook pulled a similar move just last week.
Google Maps users can opt to "Place an order" at a restaurant if the establishment works with a delivery service such as Grubhub and Seamless. When placing an order, the user will be redirected to the third-party delivery app or website. The restaurant search options can also be refined further into sub-categories such as "Quick bites" and "Vegetarian-friendly spots."
As of 2015, approximately $210 billion worth of food is ordered for delivery or takeout in the U.S., $11 billion of which is from online delivery, according to Morgan Stanley Research. With a decline in the funding of food delivery services, Google Maps' new feature can be used to boost the sales with its convenient on-demand service and large user base.
Additional features include plus codes, which are location-finders that allow users to drop pins and share "location cards," and the option to take and add photos to a business or restaurant's description.
The Google Maps update is available for free for iOS on the App Store.