Google Maps just DITCHED its most useful new features

GOOGLE • GETTY

Google Maps has ditched one of its most useful new features

Google Maps has purportedly ditched one of its most useful new features – hours after it brought back one of the most frustrating features in its Chrome web browser.

The latest beta software – Google Maps version 9.49 – introduced a nifty new parking reminder.

In the latest beta version of Google Maps on Android, users were able to quickly leave a parking reminder by tapping on the small blue dot that represents you on the map.

As soon as you tap on the dot, Google

Maps will launch a new screen that lets you enter a few notes about your location, as well as capture photos to remind you of the exact spot.

That could prove to be especially helpful for multi-storey car parks.

GOOGLE • HUAWEI

Google Maps included the ability to save your parking location in its Android beta

Google does already provide some automated parking reminders, but this new system lets users include more specifics about where the vehicle is parked.

The beta system marked one of the rare occasions when Google was trying to catch-up with Apple.

The Cupertino-based company added parking reminders to its own maps app last year.

Apple is able to automatically nudge users about where they parked their vehicle, but also includes a similar spot to attach notes and a photo, too.

However, Google appears to have ditched its version of the software.

The new feature disappeared from Google Maps a few days ago – possibly due to a server-side switch or due to the update to 9.49.1 beta or 9.49.2.

Since the ability to save a parking place was never officially announced as a Google Maps feature and was only included in the beta version of the app – it's likely that it's still just a work in progress.

It's possible the Google Maps team never intended the feature to go live, or unearthed a bug and have had to disable it momentarily.

Either way, let's hope the feature makes a comeback very soon.

The news comes as Google is purportedly set to add a new tool that allows users to share their real time location.

This will mean friends and family will able to see exactly where they are at any specific time.

The feature is made possible via the GPS that's included in all modern smartphones - which can pinpoint a position to within a few metres.

Many apps, such Apple's Find Friends, already include tracking and it can be incredibly useful for locating friends and for parents to keep an eye on their children as they make their way to school.

However, not everyone is going to like the thought of being spied on.

Don't panic too much though, Google's not going to let people see your location without your express permission first.

Here's how to switch it off.