Its telling that the plot premise of the first episode for the new Apple show The Studioepisode three drops todayrevolves entirely around the notion of a Kool-Aid movie.Created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the entire show revolves around the elevation of Rogens character Matt Remick to studio head, a job he got only because he committed to getting into bed with the brand IP of a 98-year-old beverage. How the premiere episode subsequently ties in Martin Scorcese and a film about Jonestown to the Kool-Aid brand is both hilariously absurd and somehow absolutely believable.Speaking of believable, watch the scene in which filmmaker Nick Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Captain Underpants, Neighbors) pitches Remick his Kool-Aid script idea and tell me it couldnt be hitting theaters next summer.There is a scene in the first episode that undoubtedly had marketers of all stripes howling with laughter and cringing with recognition. It takes place in a boardroom of the fictional film studio Continental Studios, in which newly promoted Remick tells the studios head of marketing (played by Kathryn Hahn) that they will be making a movie based on Kool-Aid brand IP.Lets fucking go! exclaims Hahns character, holding a giant Stanley cup. I could sell the fuck out of that!Kathryn Hahn and Chase Sui Wonders [Photo: Apple TV+]We then get a very short, yet incredibly accurate, summary of the current tension in Hollywood when it comes to brand IP. Remick details why Barbie was successful. It had Greta Gerwig, a writer-director behind it, he says. It had a filmmakers vision. Thats what were going to do with Kool-Aid. Were going to make the auteur-driven, Oscar-winning Kool-Aid film.Hahns character groans. Oh fuck me, you want to make a fucking fancy Kool-Aid movie? she says. Why? Nobody even fucking watches the Oscars anymore. Did Mario Bros win an Oscar? No, it didnt. But you know what it did win? $1.3 billion.Rogen said last week on the podcast Armchair Expert that prior to writing the show, he and Goldberg interviewed just about every studio head, and their heads of marketing. As profanely hysterical as this show is, its depiction of the relationship between Hollywood, marketing, and brands is rooted in an immediately recognizable reality.I spoke to sources that include execs and creatives who work across brands and entertainment, studio marketers, and yes, Kool-Aid parent Kraft Heinz, to see just how recognizable it really is. Here are three things The Studio gets right.[Photo: Apple TV+]The MarketerKathryn Hahn is both brilliant and brilliantly over-the-top, but her characters role in the studio decision making process is illustrated perfectly. The modern studio marketer is now a part of the project approval process for films, given the ongoing challenges of getting our attention and convincing us to actually go to the movie theaters.But just as Remick initially ignores her advice, the marketers are also at the mercy of those above them in the studio food chain. In his Armchair Expert interview, Rogen said (starting around 50-minute mark), even though the marketer is on the greenlight committee, Often they get directly overruled, he said. They would say, We should not make this movie! We cannot sell it! And then theyre told (by studio execs) Guess what, we made it anyway and if it fails youre the one whos going to get fired. That was just a really funny dynamic to have in the show.Of course, sometimes that dynamic works incredibly well. Back in 2023, I spoke to Universals CMO Michael Moses about Cocaine Bear, which went on to make $88 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. Moses department helped boost the hype around that film by making fun social posts like the bear snorting the chalk lines of the football field, and creating a 8-bit, Pac-Man-style online game called The Rise of Pablo Escobear.Rogen told the podcast that the studio marketers he spoke to view themselves as more creative than the executives. Theyre like, We actually make stuff. We create things. Were making commercials, content, posters, were thinking of little ads, while these guys (execs) are just sitting in rooms and giving notes, said Rogen.Studio marketers I spoke to on background told me that the show has been a hot topic in their office hallways. They said that the balance between how recognizable and farcical it is, is a ton of fun, and they love Hahns sweatily trendy marketer and her willingness to tell the truth.Bryan Cranston [Photo: Apple TV+]The Brand TensionPatient zero of Hollywoods latest Great Brand IP Experiment is obviously Barbie, and the iconic doll subsequently catches some hilariously vulgar strays in The Studio.While the hype around brands and Hollywood is very real, there is really a small number of companies like Superconnector Studios, ACE Content, and Modern Arts that have been able to bridge the two in a meaningful and consistent way.Modern Arts cofounder and cochief creative officer Zac Ryder says The Studios first episode nails how hungry Hollywood is for IP that it believes audiences already know and love. And I think it nails how hungry brands are to be part of pop culture in a real way, says Ryder. Now more than ever, they need each other if theyre going to survive. Theres a sense of desperation to the episode, which I think is spot on.In the wake of Barbies success back in 2023, Mattel announced plans for more IP-driven film projects that sound straight out of The Studiolike a Polly Pocket movie directed by Lena Dunham, or a Barney movie produced by Daniel Kaluuya. Dunham dropped out of the former last year, but Mattel confirmed to Fast Company earlier this month the film is still in development. The Barney project is very much in progress, written by Ayo Edebiri and co-developed and produced by A24. This sounds straight from the Remick playbook.Ryder says a lot of studio execs still think of brands as a blank check. That a brand will just go along with anything for an opportunity to be involved in a project, he says. The connection between Kool-Aid and the Jonestown massacre is an insanely far fetched, hilarious example. But I do think theres some truth to it.However, as evidenced in the dramatically slowing pace of brand IP projects being announced since the initial Barbie afterglow, that attitude towards brands has evolved. There are a lot more executives and producers in the business who see the value a brand can bring to the table, especially when it comes to marketing and understanding an audience, says Ryder.Ryder says there are insights for brand marketers watching The Studio. Make sure you arent just getting your brand involved in a project because you want to tell people about your movie at a cocktail party, he says. Be very clear and very intentional with what you want the brand to get out of the deal. Also, know what you bring to the table. In many ways, the studios need you more than you need them.Martin Scorsese [Photo: Apple TV+]The Kool-Aid MovieWhile Martin Scorceses repurposed Jonestown film is so very clearly miles over the line, Stollers treatment is entirely believable.Superconnector Studios cofounder Jae Goodman says that its believability extends beyond the fictional world of The Studio. Despite the hilarity of the brands role in the studio, no chance any reasonable brand manager stays officially connected to the studio once the Jonestown idea appears, says Goodman. If the storyline veers away from Scorceses Jonestown, then I think theres an opportunity down the line to do an actual Seth-and-Evan-led Kool Aid movie.One thing that nagged me while watching this episode was just how visible and upfront Kool-Aid was in all the jokes. The iconic Kool-Aid Man character even makes an appearance in a quick TIKTok dance diversion created by Hahns marketing team. Could the real Kool-Aid brand actually be involved here?Sources close with the brand and its parent Kraft Heinz say that Rogen and Goldberg did approach the brand, including sharing scripts and rough edits, in the hopes Kool-Aid would be officially involved. Obviously, the Jonestown plotline and jokes got in the way of that.But sources also said that Kraft Heinz has been in discussions with Apple to explore potential paths forward. While the shows portrayal of Kool-Aid may not always align with its brand ethos, the company recognizes the value in having its brands in the cultural zeitgeist.Its refreshing to see that a brand has enough self-awareness and confidence to not freak out over its portrayal in a subversive comedy. Ive got a feeling that Kool-Aid isnt the last IRL brand to get name-checked and more as the show goes on.As much as Mattel must be doing its best Lloyd Christmas impression while watching the show, do you think the folks at Kraft Heinz are cautiously optimistic for where all this could lead? Mr. Kool-Aid has a catchphrase for that.

We check our phones thousands of times daily, running our fingers across smooth glass and metal surfaces that have become extensions of ourselves. This constant tactile relationship with our devices makes the texture we feel just as important as the visual design. While most manufacturers focus on sleek, minimalist aesthetics, dbrand has taken a wildly different approach with their latest product release thats equal parts bizarre and brilliant.In what might be the most literal interpretation of the internet meme touch grass, dbrand has unveiled a new line of device skins that bring actual (fake) grass textures to your favorite gadgets. The aptly named Touch Grass skins transform the back of your smartphone, laptop, or gaming console into a miniature lawn that you can carry everywhere. Its a tactile experience thats simultaneously ridiculous and oddly satisfying.Designer: dbrandMost smartphone accessories prioritize visual appeal over tactile sensation, treating texture as an afterthought rather than a central feature. dbrands grass skins flip this concept upside down by making the physical feeling the main attraction. According to the company, each square centimeter contains over 1,000 individual strands of synthetic grass that create a surprisingly realistic sensation against your fingertips. The resulting texture provides both novelty and a unique grip that standard cases simply cant match.The concept of grass-covered technology might seem strange to many, especially those who associate lawns with weekend chores and allergies. Yet theres something undeniably appealing about bringing a touch of nature to our digital lives. The contrast between natural textures and high-tech devices creates an interesting juxtaposition that makes these skins stand out from the sea of boring cases and covers that dominate the accessory market. Its weird, but in the most intriguing way possible.What makes this product launch particularly amusing is dbrands decision to release it on April 1st, traditionally reserved for fake product announcements and corporate pranks. Unlike most April Fools Day jokes that disappear after generating some social media buzz, these grass skins are actually real products you can purchase right now. The company has a history of turning seemingly ridiculous concepts into legitimate products, and Touch Grass continues this tradition of blending humor with genuine innovation.The practical benefits of these grassy textures extend beyond mere novelty. The raised surface provides additional grip for devices that might otherwise slip from your hands. The unique texture also makes your gadget instantly recognizable by touch alone, eliminating those moments of fumbling through identical black rectangles. Of course, these practical advantages come with potential downsides, including the possibility of the fake grass collecting dust or triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.Despite the potential drawbacks, dbrands Touch Grass skins represent a refreshing departure from conventional accessory design. In a market saturated with products that look virtually identical, these textured coverings offer something genuinely different. The sensation of running your fingers across the miniature lawn might be exactly what your tech-weary brain needs after hours of staring at screens. Its a small reminder of the natural world, cleverly integrated into the devices that often disconnect us from it.The post dbrands Grass-Textured Skins Let You Literally Touch Grass Without Going Outside first appeared on Yanko Design.

Some pieces of furniture are meant to be used as they were originally created for. Others are meant to be admired design-wise although theyre not always as functional. Some are meant to mimic furniture but are actually designed as sculptures or art installations. Then there are those pieces that seem to be all of the above. This series of conceptual furniture falls into that category.Designer: Michael JantzenThe Moving Furniture series takes that fleeting thought of the ghosts of chairs and tables as they move through time and space and solidifies it into tangible, thought-provoking art. This collection of conceptual furniture, designed for both indoor and outdoor spaces, isnt just about a place to sit or set down a drink; its a visual exploration of how objects occupy and traverse the realms of space and time. Its like youre imagining them as stop motion animation but theyre actual pieces of furniture that you can use once you stop admiring them. The pieces are crafted from painted wood for the interiors and then robust painted steel for the exteriors. They begin with the simple and archetypal forms of chairs and tables but are then reimagined in traces of movement either through linear streaks, fragmented shapes, or echoes of their original form. The result is a dynamic composition, a frozen moment that hints at a past trajectory and perhaps even a future one. You might encounter a chair with an ethereal extension suggesting its in the process of being pulled away, or a table with layered segments that imply a shift in position over time. While the primary goal is artistic expression, some pieces remain usable in the traditional sense. Imagine sitting on a chair that visually embodies the act of sitting, or placing your coffee cup on a table that seems to be in a perpetual state of gentle drift. This blend of the practical and the conceptual adds another layer of intrigue to the series.The aesthetic intention behind Moving Furniture is clear: to forge a novel sculptural art form. By crystallizing the ephemeral traces of movement, the artist creates objects that are both familiar and utterly unexpected. These arent just pieces of furniture; they are visual narratives, prompting viewers to consider the unseen forces and histories that shape our physical world. They invite us to see the everyday with fresh eyes, to perceive the inherent dynamism in even the most static of objects. In a world often obsessed with stillness, Moving Furniture offers a vibrant and insightful perspective on the beauty of implied motion.The post Moving Furniture visualizes chairs and tables in time and space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Art director Whitney Clayton and animation director Mike Jungbluth reveal how the Xbox game's eye-catching look is made.

I'm so excited to find out more about this new console (and hopefully its price too).

While almost no Chinese EVs are legally sold in the US, these are the workarounds that could allow eager enthusiasts to get them onto American roadsat a price.

Using environmental DNA analysis and traditional fishing techniques, researchers are seeking answers about the current population of axolotls in their natural habitat. The numbers are alarming.

Elon Musks involvement in right-wing politics contributed to fewer deliveries in Norway the first quarter, though other factors also played a role.

Windows is full of useful features, and new elements are constantly coming into the mix. To be sure, Microsofts given us plenty of features that arent particularly useful. Some things even blink into existence for a short while before vanishing completely. (Remember Paint 3D, or when Cortana was the Copilot of its day?)But dont let that give you the wrong impression. Microsoft has added all sorts of awesome options into Windows in recent months, and many likely arent yet on your radar.Here are the ones you should be using and, statistically speaking, probably arent.Want more Windows PC tips? Sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter. Ill send you free copies of Paul Thurrotts Windows Field Guides (a $10 value) as a special welcome bonus!Windows feature #1: Security code magicMany websites and online services send you a security code via SMS when you log in. You dont have to pick up your phone to find it, though theres a better way.Assuming youve set up Phone Link and given it access to your text messages and notifications, you can do it all in a few clicks. Simply click the code in the notification on your screen and then paste it into whatever website you need. Its incredibly convenient and fast.Just note that this only works if you have an Android phone. It wont work with iPhones. Apple doesnt give Microsoft a way to integrate with iPhones at such a deep level. For iPhone users, this kind of magic will require a Mac.The Phone Link messaging notification offers up a one-click-copy button when a code is involved.Chris Hoffman, FoundryWindows feature #2: Voice typingYou can easily type with your voice within any Windows text field using Windows Dictation. To get started, just press Windows+H.The Windows Dictation program will pop up, and you can then use Windows+H to toggle dictation on and off whenever you want to speak into your computers microphone.Its incredibly easy and doesnt require any complicated setup.Windows feature #3: Virtual desktop shortcutsYouve probably seen the Task View button pinned to every Windows PCs taskbar out of the box. That button can help you manage multiple desktops but theres something about clicking it multiple times that makes things clunky.To use virtual desktops properly, you need keyboard shortcuts. Try pressing Windows+Ctrl+Left arrow and Windows+Ctrl+Right arrow to quickly move between desktops. This is the key to properly integrating multiple desktops into your workflow in a clean-and-quick way.Windows feature #4: Smarter snippingWindows 11s Snipping Tool is particularly powerful. It now has built-in optical character recognition, too, so you can use it to convert words in any application into copy-pasteable text.To do so:Press Print Screen or Windows+Shift+S. Take a screenshot of your entire screen, a window, or perhaps just part of your screen.Click the image thumbnail when it appears in the notification.Click the Text actions button on the bar it may appear at the top or bottom of the window, depending on your windows size.You can now select any text you like or click the Copy All Text button. Easy.Windows 11s Snipping Tool also lets you record a video of your screen thats another useful feature many people may not know about.The Windows 11 Snipping Tool Text actions button looks a bit like text on a page.Chris Hoffman, Foundry(Windows 10 has an older version of the Snipping Tool, and these features arent available in it.)Windows feature #5: Clipboard historyWindows can keep a history of things you copy to your clipboard both text and images. To give it a try, and turn it on if it isnt already, just press Windows+V.The system is pretty self-explanatory, but you can also pin things youve copied to your clipboard history to make them easily accessible in the future.Dont miss the emoji picker, either. Its somewhat integrated with the clipboard history, but you can press the Windows key and either the period or semicolon key to open a pop-up emoji menu directly.From there, just type to search for an emoji. Lets say you want to insert a ghost emoji, just press the Windows key and the period key and then start typing ghost.Windows feature #6: File Explorer tab togglingWith the release of Windows 11, File Explorer gained tabs. But Ive seen a lot of people who dont use them very often.Heres a way to make it easier: You can middle-click a folder in File Explorer to open it in a new tab. Then, you can click that tab or use Ctrl+Tab to switch to it.Want even more tricks for File Explorer tabs? No problem. (That middle-click-to-open-a-new-tab trick works in web browsers, too!)Windows 10s File Explorer still doesnt have tabs, notably unless you turn to third-party software.Windows feature #7: Nearby sharingWindows has a built-in Nearby sharing feature that lets you wirelessly transfer files between Windows PCs. Its kind of like Apples AirDrop but just for Windows computers.To find it, head to Settings > System > Nearby sharing. Then, whenever you select a file in File Explorer and activate Share on the toolbar or in the context menu, youll have the option to send files to nearby PCs.This only works between Windows PCs. If you want to transfer files wirelessly between Android phones, too, you can install Googles Quick Share app. (Unfortunately, theres no good way to use AirDrop with an iPhone from a Windows PC.)Windows feature #8: Advanced pastingMicrosofts free PowerToys package is full of useful tools you should be using. One especially unappreciated one is PowerToys Advanced Paste. After installing PowerToys, you can copy text and then press Windows+Shift+V to open the PowerToys Advanced Paste window.One of the options youll find is Paste as Markdown. Markdown is a formatting language that many modern applications use. This makes it a great bridge you can copy formatted text in Microsoft Word and then use PowerToys Advanced Paste to paste it into an application that supports Markdown formatting, keeping all that Word formatting. Its a great trick.PowerToys lets you paste as plain text, even in apps that dont support it.Chris Hoffman, FoundryWindows feature #9: Snappier snappingWindows lets you snap windows to different areas of your screen by pressing the Windows key along with an arrow key. Thats an old keyboard shortcut many people know, but theres something new you mightve missed.On Windows 11, things get a little more interesting with Snap Assist. You can now press Windows+Z to see a menu of various window positions you can snap the current window to complete with suggested windows to snap alongside. Then, you can press one of the arrow keys displayed on the Snap Assist popup to choose how you want to snap the window.Try it its powerful.Windows feature #10: Automatic cleanupAssuming you dont use your Recycle Bin for long-term file storage, you may want to have Windows automatically clean it. Windows can get rid of old files for you for example, you could have it automatically clear files 30 days after you send them to the Recycle Bin.Its all part of Windows Storage Sense feature. Heres how to set it up.Hey Ill stay on top of the latest Windows features for you and bring you only what really matters. Sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter today to get three new things to try in your inbox every Friday and a free in-depth Windows Field Guide gift.

Who doesnt love Google Maps? The Maps Android app helps those of us with oatmeal for brains find our way anywhere, without having to fire any neurons or exercise any synapses. It even helps us find places to pick up tasty cuisine like, uh, oatmeal (yum!).But theres much more to Google Maps than meets the eye and odds are, you arent taking advantage of at least a few handy hidden features lurking within the Maps Android app. With Android 16 now right around the corner and more shiny new Googley goodies showing up left and right lately, I thought itd be a fine time to dive deep into this ever-evolving Android anchor and think through some of its more off-the-beaten-path advanced options.Take a few minutes to explore these possibilities the next time youve got Maps pulled up on your phone, and get ready to experience the world around you in a whole new way.[Psst: Love shortcuts? My Android Shortcut Supercourse will teach you tons of time-saving tricks for your phone stretching far beyond Maps borders. Sign up now for free!]Google Maps Android trick #1: Better directionsThe most important part of Maps is navigation right? And yet, the Maps Android apps best navigation experience is curiously tucked away in a labyrinth of options and disabled by default. In fact, most average roaming land mammals would never even know the superior route exists!But hey, youre reading this column. You clearly arent an average organism. So lets take your Maps adventuring to the next level, shall we?Start by opening up the Maps app on your phone, then:Tap your profile picture in the apps upper-right corner.Select Settings, then scroll way down and select Navigation.Scroll down again until you see the section labeled Glanceable directions while navigating, and flip the toggle within that section into the on and active position.One quick switch, and boom: The next time you search for a specific location, youll see the detailed steps and ETA info right on the route overview from the second you hit the Directions button.Google Maps glanceable directions options makes it infinitely easier to see where youre going at a glance.JR Raphael / IDGMuch better, wouldnt ya say?!Google Maps Android trick #2: Drive time IQWhile were thinking about smarter directions, make a mental note of this route to higher Maps enlightenment: You can find out how long any specific drive is likely to take at any specific time with the help of Maps intelligent traffic estimation tool.Just search for a location in the Android Maps app, then tap the Directions button and put in whatever starting point you want.Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the same box where you typed the address, then select Set depart or arrive time. You can then specify exactly when you want to leave or when you want to arrive with a specific day and time and Maps will show you the likely traffic conditions and estimated travel time for that exact moment, based on mountains of historical data.Google Maps Android trick #3: Faster pathsHeres an interesting one that I only learned about recently by way of some chatter in my Intelligence Insider Community: By default, Maps now gives you directions based on the most fuel-efficient path to your destination.Thats great if youre trying to save on gas, but when youre really in a hurry, you may just want the absolute fastest path possible even if it potentially costs you a few extra pennies.If so, do this:Speed your way back into the Maps Android apps settings and again head into the Navigation area.Scroll down to the Route options section of the screen.See the line labeled Prefer fuel-efficient routes? Tap the toggle next to it to turn it off.And if you wouldrather stick with the fuel-efficient path, theres still an option in that area youll want to adjust:Within the Navigation area of the Maps apps settings, tap the line labeled Your vehicles.Select the type of car youre actually using gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid.Thatll help Maps better select routes based on actual fuel (or energy) use for your specific vehicle type, if thats the navigation approach youd prefer.Google Maps Android trick #4: Car customizationWhy stick with the boring ol blue dot to represent your location during a Maps navigation?As of a very recent update, the Android Maps app now empowers you to pick your own custom icon to represent your vehicle as youre driving which can be both fun and practical, since it makes it a whole lot easier to spot yourself at a glance. A custom icon even carries over to a cars display via Android Auto, too, so youll see it there once you select it.Best of all? Itll take you all of 20 seconds to do.Google Maps Android trick #5: Advanced maneuversSpeaking of making your way around maps, sometimes, it isnt exactly practical or maybe even possible to use two fingers to pinch and zoom your way around an area.So remember this useful alternative: In addition to the standard pinch-to-zoom system, the Android Maps app supports a secret gesture for zooming in or out of any map view. Just double-tap anywhere on an active map screen, then keep your finger down and slide it up to zoom out or down to zoom in. You can also just double-tap without the slide to zoom in a teensy bit at a time.Beyond that, you can spin a map around to change your perspective by placing your index finger and thumb on the screen and then twisting em together to the left or right and you can shift into a funky three-dimensional flyover view of any area youre examining by placing two fingers on a map together and sliding em upward on the screen.Google Maps Android trick #6: Smarter searchingI dont know about you, but I tend to be a semi-obsessive planner. And part of that, erm, condition means a burning need to know, anticipate, and well, yknow, plan things out ahead of time.Maps has a splendid system for this sort of in-advance organization. The next time youre looking at directions to a specific spot, try this:From the directions screen within the Android Maps app the first screen you see after tapping the Directions button for any given destination tap the Start button to begin a navigation (even if you arent actually ready to roll quite yet!).Once the navigation is active, swipe upward on the bar at the bottom of the screen, where you see your current travel time.In the menu that pops up, select Search along route.You can then type any term into the box that appears to seek out a specific place along the way or look for, say, restaurants, gas stations, or any other type of business imaginable.Searching along a specific route is one of Maps most helpful hidden options.JR Raphael / IDGGoogle Maps Android trick #7: On-demand contextWhen youre looking at a specific location within the Android Maps app be it a restaurant or any other type of business you can now lean on Googles next-gen Gemini assistant to learn more about it on demand, without having to do any manual digging.Youll need to be using Gemini as your devices default assistant in order for this to work. Provided thats the case, pull up any location within Maps and then summon Gemini either by pressing and holding your physical power button or using the Hey Google launch phrase.See the new Ask about place option above its main prompt area?Gemini integrates with the Android Maps app to offer on-demand info when summoned.JR Raphael, FoundryTap that and then, you can simply ask anything you want to know about the place present on your screen. And Gemini will serve up answers.You can ask all sorts of questions about locations and get instant info from Googles Gemini assistant.JR Raphael, FoundryGoogle Maps Android trick #8: Helpful hailingThe next time you need a lift somewhere be it via the actual Lyft service, Uber, or some other ridesharing provider save yourself some steps and order your ride directly from the familiar Maps interface.Start by searching for a specific place and then tapping the Directions button, as if you were gonna make the trek on your own. Then, look for the icon with a person waving her hand in the air like she just dont care (or, erm, like shes hailing a cab). Your friendly waver should show up within the directions panel at the bottom of the screen, to the right of the biking guy. If you dont see her right away, swipe horizontally along that line to reveal her.The Android Maps app integrates with ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber, provided you have the associated apps installed.JR Raphael, FoundryThatll show you current prices and wait times for both Lyft and Uber, right then and there, and allow you to hop directly into the ride-ordering process within either app assuming you have them installed. (If you arent seeing any of this, incidentally, you probably need to install a compatible rideshare app first so Maps will detect it and start showing the associated info.)Google Maps Android trick #9: Location curationOne of the Android Maps apps most underappreciated features is its ability to let you create collections of places and then revisit em or share em with other human person-people later. Its like a super-specific sort of bookmarking service thats all about locations and connected directly to your favorite navigation companion.And its super-practical, too, whether youre looking to get organized ahead of a Very Important Business Trip or even just to plan around a drive to a different part of town for some manner of work-related meeting.To take advantage of the system, tap the You tab at the bottom of the Maps app, then look for the section labeled Your lists. Tap the New list command within that area of the screen, and you can then give your fancy new list a name and a description and decide whether you want it to be private, shared only with specific people, or public for anyone to find.Location lists are a lovely way to save related places for future reference for yourself or for a group.JR Raphael / IDGWith shared lists, you can even opt to let other people edit and add their own items into the mix an easy way to collaborate with colleagues, cousins, or chinchillas on a list of lustworthy lunch spots or business supply stop-bys.Google Maps Android trick #10: Spot savingRemember way back in the early days of Android when one of the most popular apps was a simple little tool called Car Locator? No? Well, I do but then again, Ive been writing about Android for approximately 973 years now. (Related: I may or may not be a wise, if somewhat shriveled, tortoise elder.)These days, that app is long gone but little-known fact: Maps itself can do exactly what it used to do and save any location you want, then help you mosey back to it later.The next time your noggin needs a memory aide, just open up Maps and tap the blue dot that represents your current location. Thatll pull up a big honkin menu, within which youll see the incredibly useful Save parking option inside a horizontally scrolling bar of buttons toward the top of the panel. (And dont let yourself be fooled: While its official purpose may revolve around parking, you can just as easily use the feature to save any kind of location for any reason you want.)Tap that option, and thats it: Your current location will be burned into Maps memory. If you want to add extra info to help your own mushy mammal brain later, swipe up on the bar that says Parking location at the bottom of the screen. You can then enter notes about your saved location (what level you parked on, how many oatmeal-serving establishments were in the vicinity, and so on), attach photos (you making silly faces in front of various passersby, etc), and create an alert to remind you about the location after a certain amount of time has elapsed.Saving your location may be the best way you put Maps to use, ever.JR Raphael / IDGWhen youre ready to get back to your car or whatever sort of spot youve saved all youve gotta do is tap that same Parking location bar at the bottom of the Maps app or look for the Parking location notification from anywhere in your phone.Google Maps Android trick #11: Shared perspectiveNext up: Help someone find you or maybe just give em an update on your whereabouts and progress by tapping the blue location dot within the main Maps screen and then selecting Share location from the menu that comes up.Thatll let you send anyone a link to follow your location in real-time on a map for a specific amount of time or until you turn the feature off. You can beam the link directly into another app or service on your phone to get it wherever you need. You can also even ask Maps to give you helpful notifications about someones whereabouts once theyve opted into location sharing with you, if you want.(And yes, this is the same underlying location sharing system now also available within Googles Find My Device app as well as the Google Contacts app for Android.)Alternatively, if youre in the midst of a navigation, swipe up on the time estimate panel at the bottom of the Maps navigation screen. There, youll find a handy hidden Share trip progress option thatll do exactly what you desire.Google Maps Android trick #12: Traffic trackingDid you know Maps can show you live, real-time traffic info as youre navigating with your phone? All youve gotta do is tell it you want that info a feat thatll require approximately seven seconds of your time.The next time youre in the midst of a navigation within the Maps app on your phoneSwipe up on that time estimate panel at the bottom of the screen.Flip the toggle next to Show traffic on map.Perform a spritely little jig to celebrate whilst whistling the tune of Tom Cochranes timeless 1991 hit song Life Is a Highway. ** Jig and whistling optional but highly recommendedGoogle Maps Android trick #13: Private perusingOn your way to a secret lair? Well, look at you, Bruce Wayne. Pin this bit of info to your amygdala: If you tap your profile picture in the Maps app and then select Turn on Incognito mode, Maps will temporarily stop saving your location and using it for any future purposes. And no one not even Google will know where you are.Not to worry: Your secrets safe with me.Google Maps Android trick #14: Hands-free helpingLast but not least, youd be forgiven for forgetting or maybe not ever knowing but Maps has its own custom set of voice commands that work whenever youre in the midst of a navigation. All youve gotta do is say Hey Google or activate your assistant in whatever manner you prefer, and then shout out the command in question.So buckle up here are some of the more intriguing possibilities:Hows traffic ahead?Hows traffic home?Show the route overview.Show an alternate route.Whats my ETA?What road is this?Whats my next turn?Navigate home.Avoid tolls.Avoid highways.Find a gas station.Take me to Best Buy.Find a restaurant.Find me somewhere that serves oatmeal, gosh darn it.That last one may or may not work, but hey its always worth a shot.Go beyond Maps and get even more Android shortcut knowledge with my free Android Shortcut Supercourse. Youll learn tons of time-saving tricks for your phone!