Google Maps get test ‘off-route’ alert feature in India

San Francisco: As part of the many new features Google is experimenting with and adding on Maps, the search engine giant is testing an “Off-route” alert feature, exclusively in India for now.

Intended to keep users safe while they are riding in a taxi, the “off-route” feature would notify users everytime their cab gets sidetracked from the intended course by 500 metres, XDA Developers reported on Monday.

Besides ensuring users’ safety, the feature is also intended to help them avoid being tricked by a cab driver while travelling to an unfamiliar part of the city.

On sensing a wrong route, the feature would not re-route the driver, but send alerts on the users’ phones.