Google on Monday updated the Google Maps Navigation (Beta) to suggest faster routes to drivers based on real-time traffic conditions. Before today, Navigation would choose whichever route was fastest, without taking current traffic conditions into account. It would also generate additional alternate directions, such as the shortest route. Starting today, Google's routing algorithms will also apply its knowledge of current and historical traffic to select the fastest route from those alternates. That means that Navigation will automatically guide users along the best route given the current traffic conditions.

The new feature can be used in North America and Europe where both Google Maps Navigation and real-time traffic data are available, Google said.