Huawei plot to create Google Maps rival ‘that can even tell what lane your car is in’ revealed
HUAWEI is creating new mapping tech that will rival Google Maps.
The Chinese firm is said to be designing its own maps system, which will be connected to local mapping services and cover 150 regions and countries.
Google Maps doesn't really have a rival in the GPS mapping space.
However, following the Huawei US trade ban drama and the now tense relationship between Google and the firm, the Chinese company has been pushed towards creating its own mapping system.
The app will reportedly be called Map Kit but is apparently not intended for direct consumer use but could be used by developers and businesses.
US tech firms have been granted a temporary licence to continue to work with Huawei but the company is already working on it's own version of Android so it's no longer dependent on Google.
As the company creates its own operating system it is possible that some of its new mapping technology will feature on it as Huawei users will no longer be able to use Google Maps on their devices.
Huawei is in so much hot water because it has been accused of sharing data with the Chinese government and therefore some governments think it's a security risk.
Despite the tensions and trade ban it is actually a US company that is currently providing Huawei with the technology to create the app.
According to state-run outlet , it will be released around October this year and could be available in 40 languages.
It may also offer real-time traffic conditions and a navigation system that can recognise if a car changes lanes.
The system will also apparently support augmented reality.
Google Maps is popular all over the world but the company has struggled the most with getting access to China due to regulations.
This suggests that Huawei's map app may be able to overtake it in popularity in China at the very least.
How to check your Google Location History
Here's what you need to know...
There are several ways to check your own Google Location History.
The easiest way is to follow the link to the Google Maps Timeline page:
This lets you see exactly where you've been on a given day, even tracking your methods of travel and the times you were at certain locations.
Alternatively, if you've got the Google Maps app, launch it and press the hamburger icon – three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other.
Then go to the Your Timeline tab, which will show places you've previously visited on a given day.
If you've had Google Location History turned on for a few years without realising, this might be quite shocking.
Suddenly finding out that Google has an extremely detailed map of years of your real-world movements can seem creepy – so you might want to turn the feature off.
The good news is that it's possible to immediately turn Google Location History off at any time.
You can turn off Location History here:
However, to truly stop Google from tracking you, you'll also need to turn off Web & Activity Tracking.
You can see your tracked location markers here:
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In other news, Google warns billions of website passwords have been hacked.
Google Maps will now show you where speed cameras are.
And, here's how you can check if your Gmail has ever been hacked and when.
Would you use a Huawei map app? Let us know in the comments...
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