Back in September we reported on a rumor that Google was testing out an update to its Popular Times feature in which instead of showing static information, it would be live information meaning that users could see at that very moment how busy a place is. After about 2 months, it looks like the feature has since been launched.According to Google, “Just in time for the Black Friday swarms, we’re adding a real-time look at how crowded a place is right now, to help you decide where and when to go. Whether you’re rushing to pick up a last minute gift or seeking a lively bar for some festive spirit, check Popular Times for a sneak preview of what to expect when you arrive.”
In case you’re unfamiliar with Popular Times, basically this is a feature in Search and Google Maps that shows you roughly how popular a place might be at certain hours of the day. For example with restaurants and cafes, it might peak during lunch and dinner hours which is typically correct and expected.
However with the new live feature, it will be able to tell you exactly how popular a place is right now, so if there is a restaurant you’re thinking of checking out, you can see how busy it is at the moment before actually heading there. This will come in handy when it comes to shopping or visiting certain local attractions.
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