Google Maps Revamps Reviews: New Feature Inspired by Google Messages!

Google has introduced a new feature to its Maps app, taking a leaf from its Google Messages service. The goal? To save you time when writing reviews by allowing you to react directly to images on a business’s listing.

Alongside Waze, Google Maps stands as a must-have GPS application. The tech giant from Mountain View continues to operate both apps separately while consistently enhancing Maps with new features.

Consider this scenario: you’re either too busy or simply can’t be bothered to write a review about a business you liked, and you’re worried you might forget to do it later. Google might just have the solution you need. According to Android Central, the Mountain View-based company is currently testing a new feature for its Maps app, seemingly inspired by Google Messages. This feature allows you, with just a few clicks, to instantly provide feedback to businesses by reacting to images on their listing with emojis.

Also read: Want to spot speed cameras on Google Maps? This foolproof trick lets you do it in minutes

Google Maps is Experimenting with a New Way to Leave Feedback: Emoji Reactions

Clicking on a business (be it a cultural spot, restaurant, or company) in Google Maps opens its listing. Below the main information, several options are available: Call, get directions, start, save, share, visit the website, book… or scroll through a carousel of photos and videos.

The feature currently being tested by Google introduces another action related to images: long-press to react. Following this prompt, five possible reactions – seemingly all positive – appear as emojis: a heart, praying hands, a flame, a face with a tongue sticking out, and an exploding head. Selecting one triggers an animation: for instance, pressing the heart displays a swirling giant heart on the screen. The first time you use this option, Google notifies you, via a dialog box, that these emojis will be shared with them and displayed publicly.

This feature likely serves a dual purpose: to allow users to leave instant feedback directly on an image without having to write a full review, while also boosting engagement on the business listings within the app. For now, the feature is still in its early stages: it is limited to the five listed emojis and the action has no lasting effect. Indeed, while long-pressing the photo triggers a small animation, the reactions do not yet appear – unlike in Google Messages, where they are displayed beneath the message. Moreover, this feature has only been spotted on the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Oppo Find N5 in tests by our colleagues, but not on other Android devices, nor on Apple devices.