Google Maps captured a small part of what makes Waze fun earlier this year. The flagship navigation app gained support for custom navigation icons back in February, followed by its first-of-a-kind custom vehicle icon partnership with Benson Boone in August.
Between Waze and Maps’ custom vehicle icon functionality, though, there’s currently only one major difference. On Waze, users have been able to alter their custom icon before initiating a ride. On Maps, the customization option only pops up once navigation has started. This, however, could soon change.
Although not live yet, Google Maps version 25.42.02.817770306 offers hints that suggest Google might soon give users the ability to alter their driving avatar directly from the main Maps settings menu (h/t Android Authority).
Set your avatar pre-trip
The new section will reportedly appear as ‘Driving avatar’ under the ‘Your vehicles’ section, which currently focuses on details like fuel type. Tapping Driving avatar will take you to the familiar screen you currently see when you tap your vehicle icon after initiating a trip.
Changing the custom icon, for many, isn’t pivotal to the overall Google Maps experience and this isn’t a monumental change by any means. Instead, it is a simple UI tweak that refines the Google Maps experience for those who prefer a little fun and personalization for their in-app aesthetic.
As is the case with any new manually enabled feature, it isn’t entirely clear if and when it will make its way out widely. However, considering that Google-owned Waze already offers such functionality, and that the change should promote safer driving by allowing users to customize before even getting into the driver’s seat, a broad rollout seems likely.
