Google Maps on the web gets voice commands through Chrome
updated 08:35 pm EDT, Thu August 25, 2011
Mic button initiates voice commands
Google has updated its Chrome browser with a new feature that allows users to take advantage of voice commands for Google Maps. Rather than using standard text entry in the search field, a microphone button now initiates a computer's integrated microphone to receive spoken search queries. The option is said to be geared for finding hard-to-spell places or asking for directions without typing.
Systems that have the Google Earth plug-in installed can also use the voice commands. The Earth layer in Google Maps flies over the spoken location without leaving the browser.
The mic button is now available on the Chrome browser for Mac and Windows machines.
