In the previous iOS version of the Google Maps, you could see color-coded routes identifying congested areas and icons marking accidents, traffic, road closures and construction zones. You were also flagged when there was a faster route available and given details of how much faster or slower each route is.

An update released Wednesday takes traffic alerts to the next level. Now the app will speak alerts about congestion and incidents on your route, and it will summarize traffic conditions before you even start driving.

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