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How to launch Google Maps navigation using Siri without jailbreaking

Published Dec 17th, 2012 4:32PM EST
Google Maps Siri Trick

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Millions of iPhone users rejoiced last week as the highly anticipated Google Maps app launched for iOS and put an end to users’ reliance on Apple’s (AAPL) awful Maps app. Who knows how many lives may have been saved? iPhone users aren’t completely out of the woods though, as Apple’s Maps app is still the default application used for mapping integration inside other third-party apps, and it’s also used by Siri when asking for directions. Using a simple trick that requires no jailbreak or hacking of any kind, however, users can easily bypass ties between Siri and Apple’s Maps app to get directions using Google Maps.

As noted by Cult of Mac on Saturday, adding “via transit” to the end of your sentence when asking Siri for directions jumps past Apple’s own mapping app and brings users to a screen that allows them to select Google Maps for directions. Google’s (GOOG) Google Maps app with then open with the destination already populated, and users will be given the option to get directions or navigate to the desired destination on foot, via public transit or in a car.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.