iOS: Earlier this year, Google teamed up with Nintendo to turn Google Maps into Mario Kart, replacing the app's usual location icon with a fist-bumping plumber riding a red go-kart. The crossover didn't last very long, but Google is now bringing back some of that magic with a new update to the Maps app on iOS.

Google's done more than almost any other company to bring virtual reality to the masses, from making cheap Cardboard headsets to giving the public easy ways to create and share 360-degree photos. Now the company is giving VR fans another way to dive in with a new tool called Tour Creator.

Google's annual I/O developer's conference always provides an exciting swathe of Google-related updates and improvements to their services and so far, it's delivering. Their key messaging this year is solving problems with AI and with the incoming upgrades to Google Maps, their advanced AI and algorithms will help you find things to do, places to eat and organise getting together with your friends.

Starting today, if you ask Google Assistant on your phone, Chromebook, or Google Home device "Where's Wally?" you'll actually get an answer.

Back in 2014, Google teamed up with Nintendo to hide Pokemon across Maps. It was surprisingly fun, paving the way for Pokemon GO. Now, the two companies are working together again to transform your turn-by-turn driving directions into a little homage to Mario Kart.

If you want to get to your destination fast, then you're possibly better off using Google Maps or Waze over Apple Maps. Waze if you truly want the "fastest" option.

Google is rolling out an update to its Maps app, giving it a refreshed visual style, more easily recognisable markers, and context-aware information. If you're prone to getting disoriented using public transit, or get frustrated searching for a petrol station during a road trip, the update makes it easier to know where you're going, what's around you, and where you'll end up if you've missed your station.

Google added over 500,000 images to Google Maps yesterday taken by spacecraft, many of which were taken by Cassini, which was launched in space 20 years ago.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: The South Park video game sequel turns out to be not too bad, Google has a map of the Solar System

If you've ever considered sharing your every move with a significant other, you probably have an opinion about location-sharing apps. "This is great! I'll always know where they are!" is one opinion. "This is creepy! I'm not trying to stalk someone I could easily talk to instead!" is another. I'm of that second opinion.

Android/Web: It's easy to use Google Maps to see how far your office is from your favourite restaurant, or how long it will take to drive from Sydney to Melbourne. Estimating the distance between two locations without relying on winding roads messing up your estimate, however, is a bit more complicated. Sure, you could try and measure it with the distance scale at the bottom corner of your screen, but a little-known trick, as mentioned by Redditor niktemadur, makes estimating distances from point to point (or "as the crow flies") pretty easy, depending on the device you have.

Looking up directions on Google Maps is a little clunky on the desktop. You have to select your starting location, your destination and your method of transport. But if you're on Chrome, you can build three shortcuts to get directions right from the address bar, without a single click.

Android/iOS: Pride month is in full swing, and Google Maps is making it easier to discover your local Pride events, or navigate around them.

When you're travelling through unfamiliar territory, sometimes turn-by-turn navigation just isn't enough. A new design update on Google Maps is here to help you out.

iOS: Google pushed out an update to Google Maps today that adds in a few handy new features, including a new lock screen widget, an iMessage app, and the creepy Your Timeline feature that's been available elsewhere for a while.

Google has introduced a new feature to make sure Android users never forget where they park their cars. The beta of v9.49 ushers in a bunch of useful new tools - including a manual parking location tracker. Kramer would be pleased.

Android/iOS: One of the best little features in Waze is the ability to share your location and ETA with a contact. This way, you can answer the "when will you get here?" question before it's even asked. Now, you can do that in Google Maps too.

Google Maps is hands-down one of the best navigation apps on Android and iPhone, but considering most of us use it while driving, it's easy to miss some of its features. Whether you're new to Google Maps or a veteran, let's take a look at the best ways to get the most out of it.

Android: Google's making a minor tweak to Google Maps today that adds a new bottom navigation bar. Here, you can find restaurant recommendations, travel time home and public transit info.